
\ 



LIFE 

OF 

GEORGE WASHINGTON, 

COMMANDER IN CHIEF ^ ^ -^ 



AUMIEg op THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THROUGHOUT 
THE WAR WHICH ESTABLISHED THEIR 



INDEPENDENCE : 



FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES:- 



T 



BY DAVIT) RAMSAY, M.D. 

AuUwr of the History of the American Revolution. 



SECOND EDITION 



PUBLISHED BY D. MALLORY AND CO. 

Sold by them, and B. B. Hopkins and Co. W. W. Woodward, and A. Fiiiley and Co. Philadel- 
phia ; P H. Nicklin, Baltimore ;D. W. Farrand aiid Gi-eeiie, Albany ; Eeeisand How^t^ 
and I. Cook and Co. New Haven ; O D Cook, Haitfoitl ; A. Lyuian and Co. 
Portfcid ; Swift and Chapman, Middlcbury, Vermont. 



18U. 



^\ 



X\^ 



DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS, TO WIT ; 

District Clerk^s Office. 
OE it remembered, tluit on the thirficlh day of May, a n. 1811, 
•^ and in the thirty fii'tli year 6f the Independence of the United 
States of America, D. MaUory and Co. of the said district, have de- 
posited in this office the title oi'a book, tiie riglit w hei-eof they claim 
as proprietors in tiie words following, to wit; 

*' The Life of (ieorge Wafibington, Coinnuir.dcs- in Chief of tlie Armies 
" of the United States of Aineiica, ibiuuiiliout ibc war wliicb cstab- 
" lished their Independence, ami iirst President of tlie United States. 
" l{y David Ramsay, MI), author of tl)e History of tlie American 
•' Revolution. Second eilition." 

In conformity to the act of t'lC Congress of t'.ie United States, entitled, 
*' An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of 
maps, chaits, ar.d books, to the anlhors and pi opriitors of such copies, 
during the times therein mer.tioned ;" and also to an act, enlilled, " An 
act sui)plementary to an act, entitled. An act foi' the encouragement of 
learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the au- 
lliors and proprietors of such copies, during th-e (in;es therein mention- 
ed ; and extending the benefiis tlic:col"to the arts of designing, engrav- 
ing, and etching historical and other piints." 

WM. S. SHAW, Clerk of the Bi.slrict of Massnchvsett^. 



THE YOUTH 

Of THE UNITED S^fATES. IK THE HO?E THAT, fROM THf- 

TiXAMPLK 

or THEIH COMMON FATHER, 

THEY WILL LEARN TO DO AND SUFFER 

WHATEN'ER 

THEIR COUNTRY'S GOOD 

MAY REQUIRE AT THEIR HANDS, THE FOLLOWING LIFE OF 

GEORGE WASHINGTON, 

IS MOST AFFECTIONATELY 

INSCRIBED, 

BY THE 

AUTHOK 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

Of George Washington's bii-tli, family, and education. Of his mission 
to the French comm9ndai#on the Ohio, in 1753. His military oper- 
ations as an officer of Virginia, from 1754 to 1758, and his subse- 
quent employments to the commencement of the American revolu- 
tion, - page I 

CHAPTER n. 

Retrospect of the origin of the American revolutionary war. Of George 
Washington as member of Congress, in 1774 and 1775 As Cpm- 
manner in Chief of the armies of the United Colonies in 1775 and 
177C, and his operations near Boston, in these years, - - - p. 21 

CHAPTER HI. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1776. 
'Of the operations of General Was hington in Kcw York and New Jer- 
sey. Tiie battle on Long Island. The retreat from York Island and 
through Jersey. The battles of Trenton and Princeton, - - p. 35 

CHAPTER IV. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1777. 
Of the operations of General Washington in New Jersey and Pennsyl- 
vania, in the campaign of 1777. The battles of Brandy wine and Ger- 
mantown. Washington is advised by the Rev. Jacob Duchf";, to give 
up the contest. Tlie distresses of the American army. Its winter 
quarters in "Valley Forge. Gen. Washington is assailed by the clam- 
ours of discontented individuals and public bodies, and by the designs 
of a faction to supersede him in his office as Commander in Chief, p. 61 

CHAPTER V. 

CAMPAIGN OF t778. 
General Washington prepares for the campaign of 1778. Surprises the 
Britishj and defeats them at MOnmouth. Arrests General Lee. 



%l CONtENTS. 

Calms the irritation excited by the departiiw of the French fleet 
from Rhode Island to Boston. Dissuades from an invasion of Can- 
igda, -..* --p. 85 

CHAPTER VI. 

CAMPAIGN Ol' 1779. 
The distresses of the American army. Gen. Washington calms theun- 
easiness in the Jersey line. Finds great difficulty in supporting his 
troops and concentrating their force. Makes a disposition of them 
•with a view to the security of West i||int. Directs an expedition 
Against the Six Nations of Indians, and for the reduction of Stony 
Point Paules Hook taken. A French fleet, expected to the north- 
ward, arrives on the coast of Georgia. Washington, unequal to of- 
fensive operations, retires into winter quarters, - - - - T p. 103 

CHAPTER VH. 

CA.VrP\lGN OF 1780. 
Gen. Washington directs an expedition against Staten Island. Gives an 
opinion against risking an army for the defence of Charleston, S C. 
Finds great difficulty in supporting his army. Kniphausfn invades 
Jersey, but is prevented from injuring the American stores. Mar- 
quis del a Tayette arrives, and gives assurances that a French fleet 
and army might soon be expected on the American coast. Energet- 
ic measures of co-operation resolved upon, but so languidly executed, 
that Washington predicts the necessity of a more efficient system of 
national government A French fleet and army arrives, and a com- 
bine'! operation against New York is resolved upon, but the arrival of 
a superior British fleet deranges the whole plan, . - - . - p. 118 

CHAPTER Vni. 

CAMPAIGN OF 1781. 
The Pennsylvania line mutinies. The Jersey troops follow their exam- 
ple, but are quelled by decisive measures. Gen. Washington com- 
mences a military journal, detailing the wants and distresses of his 
army. Is invited to the defence of his native state, Virginia, but de- 
clines. Reprimands the manager of his private estate for furnishing 
the enemy with supplies, to prevent the destruction of his property. 
Extinguishes the incipient flames of a civil war, respecting the inde- 
pendence of the state of Vermont. Plans a combined operation 



oo/tenTs. v^ 

♦gainst the British, and deputes Lieut. Col John Laurens to solica 
tlie co-operation of the P'rench. The combined forces of both nations 
rendezvous in the Chesapeak, and take lord Corowaliis and his army 
prisoners of war. Washington returns to the ■vicinity' of New York, 
and urges the necessity of preparing for a new campaign, • • j). 134 

CHAPTER IX. 

1782 and 1783. 
Prospects of peace. Languor of the states. Discontents of the army. 
Gen. Washington prevents the adoption of rash measures. Some new 
levies in Peimsylvania mutiny, and are quelled. Washington recom- 
mends measures for the preservation of independence, peace, liberty, 
and happiness. Dismisses his army. Enters New York. Takes 
leave of his oftleers. Settles his accounts. Repairs to Annapolis. 
Resigns his commission. Retires to Mount Vernon, and resumes his 
agricultural pursuits, ........p. 159 

CHAPTER X. 

General Washington, on retiring from public life, devotes himself to 
agricultural pursuits. Favours inland navigsition. Declines offered 
emoluments from it. Urges an alteration of the fundamental rules 
of the society of the Cincinnati. Regrets the de ects of the federal 
system, and recommends a revisal of it. Ts appointed a member of 
the continental convention for that purpose, wliich, after hesitation, 
he accepts. Is chosen president thereof Is solicited to accept the 
presidency of the United States. AVritcs sundry letters expressive of 
the conflict in his mind, between duty and inclination. Answers ap- 
plicants for offices. His reluctance to enter on public life, - p. 206 

CHAPTER XI. 

Washington elected president. On his v/ay to the seat of government 
at New York, receives the most flattering marks of respect. Ad- 
dresses Congress. The situation of the United .States in their foreign 
and domestic relations, at the inauguration of Washington. Fills up 
public offices solely with a view to the public good. Proposes a treaty 
to the Creek Indians, which is at first rejected. Col. Willet induces 
the heads of the nation to come to New I'ork, to treat there. The 
North Western' Indians i-efuse a treaty, but after defeating Generals 
Harjoaar aad Siiiclair, they are defeated hy Gen, Wayne. They theK 



Viii - CONTENTS. 

sAibmit, and agree to treat. A new system is introduced for meliorat-- 
ing their condition, -- ------p. 231 

CHAPTER XII. 

General Washington attends to the foreign relations of the United 
States. Negotiates with Spain Difficulties in the way. The free 
navigation of the Vlissisippi is granted by a treaty made with Major 
Pinckney. Negotiations with Britain Difficulties in the way. War 
probable. Mr. Jay's mission IJis treaty with tireat Britain. Op- 
position thereto. Is ratified. Washington refuses papers to House 
of Uepresentatives British posts in the United States evacuated. 
Negotiations wih France. Genet's arrival. Assumes illegal powers, 
in violation of the neutrality of the United States. Is flattered by the 
people, but opposed by the executive. Is recalled. General Pinck- 
ney sent as public minister to adjust disputes with France. Is not re- 
ceived. Washington declines a re-election, and addresses the people. 
His last address to the national legislature. Recommends a navy, a 
military academy, and other i»ublic institutions, ----- p. 254 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Washington rejoices at the pi-ospt-ct of retiring. Writes to the Secre- 
tary of State, denying the authenticity of letters said to be from him 
to J. P. Custis and Lund Washington, in 1776 Pays respect to his 
successor, Mr. John Adams. Review of Washington's administration. 
He retires to Mount Vernon. Resumes agricultural pursuits Hears 
■with regret the aggression of the French republic. Corresponds on 
the subject of his taking the command of an army to oppose the 
French. Is appointed Lieutenant General. His commission is sent' 
to him by the Secretary of War. His letter to president Adams on 
the receipt thereof. Directs the organization of the proposed array. 
Three Envoys Exti'aordinary sent to France, who adjust all disputes 
•with Bonaparte, after the overthrow of the Directory. Gen. Wash- 
ington dies. Is honoured by Congress, and by the citizens. His char- 
skcter, - - - p. 307 



THE 

LIFE 

OF 

GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



CHAPTER I. 

Of George Washington's birth, family, and education Of his tnissiaiu 

to the French commandant on the Ohio in 1753 His military opera- 
tions as an officer of Virginia, from ITSito 1758, and liis subsequent 
employments to tlie commencement of the American Revolution. 

The ancestors of George Washington were 
among the first settlers of the oldest British colo- 
ny in America. He was the third in descent from 
John Washington, an English gentleman, who, 
about the middle of the 17th. century, emigrated 
from the north of England, and settled in vV^est- 
moreland county, Virginia. In the place where 
he had fixed himself, his great grandson, the sub- 
ject of the following history, was born on the 22d. 
of February, 1732. His immediate ancestor was 
Augustine Washington, vvho died when his son 
George was only ten years old. The education 
of the young orphan, of course, devolved on his 
mother, who added one to the many examples of 
virtuous matrons, who, devoting themselves to the 
2 



^ • i'ln: LIFE or 

care of their children, have trained them up to be 
distinguished citizens. In one instance her fears, 
combining with her affection, prevented a meas- 
ure, which, if persevered in, would have given a 
direction to the talent^ and views of her son, very 
different from that which laid the foundation of his 
fame. George Washington, when only fifteen 
years old, solicited and obtained the place of a 
midshipman in the British navy ; but his ardent 
zeal to serve his country, then at war with France 
and Spain, was, on the interference of his mother, 
for the present suspended, and for ever diverted 
from the sea service. She lived to see him ac- 
quire higher honours than he ever could have ob- 
tained as a naval ofiicer ; nor did she depart this 
life till he was elevated to the first offices, both civ- 
il and military, in the gift of his country. She 
was, nevertheless, from the influence of long es- 
tablished habits, so far from being partial to the 
American revolution, that she often regretted the 
side her son had taken in the controversy between 
her king and lier country. 

In the minority of George Vv^ashing'ton, the 
means of education in America were scanty ; his 
Avas therefore very litllc extended beyond what is 
common, except in mathematics. Knowledge of 
this kind contributes more perhaps than any other 
to strengthen the mind. In his ease it was doubly 
useful ; for, in the early part of his life, it laid the 
foundation of his fortune, by qualifying him for 
the office of a practical surveyor, at a time when 
good land was of easy attainment; audits inti- 
mate connection with the military art, enabled him 
at a later period to judge more correctly of the 



(.HO!iCl-: WASJIIXG SOX. O 

proppr means of defending his countsy, when he 
was called upon to preside over its armies. 

Of the first nineteen years of George Washing- 
ton's life, little is known. His talents being more 
solid than showy, were not sufficiently developed 
for public notice, by the comparatively unimpor- 
tant events of that early period. His cotempora- 
ries have generally reported, that in his youth he 
was grave, silent, and thoughtful ; diligent and 
methodical in business, dignified in his appearance, 
and strictly honourable in all his deportment ; but 
they have not been able to gratify the public curi- 
osity with any striking anecdotes. His patrimo- 
nial estate was small, but that little was managed 
with prudence and increased by industry. In the 
gayest period of his life, he was a stranger to dis- 
sipation and riot. That he had established a solid 
reputation, even in his juveiiilc years, may be fair- 
ly presumed from the follovving circumstances. 
At the age of nineteen he was appointed one of 
the adjutants general of Virginia, with the rank of 
major. When he was barely twenty one, he was 
employed by the government of his native colony, 
in an enterprise uhich required the prudence of 

:• as well cis the vigour of youtii. 

Tiie French, as the first European discoverers 
of tlie river Mississippi, claimed all that immense 
region wliose waters rur. into that river. In pur- 
suance of this claim, in. the year 1753, they took 
possession of a tract of cotmtry supposed to be 
within the chartered limits of Virginia, and Vv'ere 
'proceeding to erect a chain of posts from the lakes 

Canada to the river Ohio, in s'.ibservicncy to 



THE LIFE OF 

their grand scheme of connecting Canada with 
Louisiana, and Hmiting the EngUsh colonies to 
the east of the Alleghany mountains. Mr. Din- 
widdle, then governor of Virginia, despatched 
Washington with a letter to the French command- 
ant on the Ohio, remonstrating against the prose- 
cution of these designs, as hostile to the rights of 
his Britannic majesty. The young envo}' was al- 
so instructed to penetrate the designs of the French ; 
to conciliate the aftection of the native tribes ; and 
to procure useful intelligence. In the discharge 
of this trust, he set out on the 15th. of Novem- 
ber, from Will's Creek, then an extreme frontier 
settlement, and pursued his course through a vast 
extent of unexplored wilderness, amidst rains and 
snows, and over rivers of very difficult passage, 
and among tribes of Indians, several of whom, froni 
previous attentions of the French, were hostile to 
the English. A\'hen his horses were incompetent, 
he proceeded on foot with a gun in his hand and 
a pack on his back. He observed every thing 
with the eye of a soldier, and particularly designat- 
ed the forks of the Monongahela and Alleghany 
rivers, the spot ^^•here Fort Duquesne was after- 
ward built, and where Pittsburgh now stands, as 
an advantageous position for a fortress. Here he 
secured the affections of some neighbouring Indi- 
ans, and engaged them to accompany him. With 
them he ascended the Alleghany river and French 
Creek, to a fort on the river le Boeuf, one of its 
western branches. He there found Mons. Le 
Gardeur de St. Pierre, the commandant on the 
Ohio, and delivered to him Dinwiddle's letter ; 



(iEORGE WASHINGTON. •> 

and receiving- his answer, returned widi it to Wil- 
liamsburg on the seventy eighth day after he had 
received his appointment. The patience and 
firmness displayed on this occasion by Washing^, 
ton, added to his judicious treatment of the Indi- 
ans, both merited and obtained a large share of ap- 
plause. A journal of the whole was published, 
and inspired the public with high ideas of the en- 
ergies both of his body and mind. 

The French were too intent on their favourite 
project of extending their empire in America, to 
be diverted from it b}' the remonstrances of a co- 
lonial governor. The answer brought by Wash- 
ington was such as induced the assembly of Vir- 
ginia, to raise a regiment of three hundred men, 
to defend their frontiers and maintain the right 
claimed in behalf of Great Britain over the disput- 
ed territory. Of tliis Mr. Fry was appointed col- 
onel, and George Washington, lieutenant colonel. 
The latter advanced with two companies of this 
regiment early in April, as far as the Great Mead- 
ows, where he was informed by some f^uendly In- 
dians, that the French ^vere erecting fortifications 
in the fork between the Alleghany and Mononga- 
hela rivers ; and also, that a detachment was on 
its march from that place to',\'ard tlie Great Mead- 
ows. \V:xr had not been yet formally declared be- 
tween France and P^ngland, but as neither was 
disposed to recede from their claims to the lands 
on the Ohio, it was deemed inevitable, and on the 
point of commencing. Several circumstances 
were supposed to indicate an hostile intention on 
the part of the advancing French detachment. 
Washington, under the guidance of some friendly 
2* 



6 THE LIFE OF 

Indians, in a dark rainy night surprised their en- 
campment, and, after firing once, rushed in and 
surrounded them. The commanding officer, Mr. 
Jumonville, was killed, one person escaped, and all 
the rest immediately surrendered. Soon after this 
aflair. Col. Fry died, and the command of the reg- 
iment devolved on Washington, who speedily col- 
lected the whole at the Great Meadows. Two in. 
dependent companies of regulars, one from New 
York, and one from South Carolina, shortly after 
arrived at the same place. Col. Washington was 
now at the head of nearly four hundred men. A 
stockade, afterward called Fort Necessity, was 
erected at the Great Meadows, in which a small 
force was left, and the main body advanced with a 
view of dislodging the French from Fort Duques- 
iie, which they had recently erected, at the con- 
fluence of the Alleghany and Monongahela rivers. 
They had not proceeded more than thirteen miles, 
when they were informed by friendly Indians-, 
" That the French, as numerous as pigeons in the 
woods, were advancing in an hostile manner to- 
ward the English settlements, and also, that Fort 
Duquesnc had been recently and strongly rein- 
forced." In this critical situation, a council of war 
unanimously recommended a retreat to the Great 
Meadows, which was eifectcd without delay, and 
every exertion made to render Fort Necessity ten- 
able. Before the works intended for that purpose 
were completed, Mons. de Villier, with a consid- 
erable force, attacked the fort. The assailants 
were covered by trees and high grass. The Amer- 
icans receivedthem with great resolution, and fought 
some within the stockade, and others in the sur- 



GEORGE WASHINGTON', 4 

rounding ditch. Washington continued the whole 
day on the outside of die fort, and conducted the 
defence with the greatest coolness and intrepidity. 
Tiie engagement lasted from ten in the moriiing 
till night, when the F)ench commander demand- 
ed a parley, and offered terms of ca])itulalion. 
His first and second proposals were rejected ; and 
Washington would accept of none short of the 
following honourable ones, which were mutually 
agreed upon in the course of the night. " 'I'he 
fort to be surrendered on condition that the gar- 
rison should march out with the honours of war, 
and be permitted to retain their arms and bag- 
gage, and to march unmolested into the inhabit- 
ed parts of Virginia." The legislature of Vir- 
ginia, impressed with a high sense of the bravery 
and" good conduct of their troops, though com- 
pelled to surrender the fort, voted their thanks to 
Col. Washington and the officers under his com- 
mand, and they also gave three hundred pistoles 
to be distributed among the soldiers engaged in 
this action, but made no arrangements for renew- 
ing offensive operations in the remainder of the 
year 1754. When the season for action was over, 
the regiment was reduced to independent compa- 
nies, and Washington resigned his command. 

The controversy about the Ohio lands, which 
began in Virginia, was taken up very seriously 
by Great Britain, and two British regiments were 
sent to America to sujjport the claims of his Bri- 
tannic majest)'. They arrived early in 1755, and 
were commanded by Gen. Braddock. That 
officer, being informed of the talents of George 
Washington, invited him to serve the campaign as 



IHE LIFE Of 



a volunteer aid cle camp. The invitation was 
cheerfully accepted, and Washington joined Gen. 
Braddock near Alexandria, and proceeded with 
him to Will's Creek, afterward called Fort Cum- 
berland. Here the army was detained till the 
12th. of June, waiting for waggons, horses, and 
provisions. W^ashington had early recommended 
the use of pack horses, instead of waggons, for 
conveying the baggage of the army. The pro- 
priety of this advice soon became apparent, and a 
considerable change was made in conformity to it. 
The army had not advanced much more than ten 
miles from Fort Cumberland, when W^ashington^ 
was seized with a violent fever, but nevertheless 
continued with the army, being conveyed in a 
covered waggon, after he had refused to stay be- 
hind, though so much exhausted as to be unable 
to ride on horseback. He advised the general to 
leave his heavy artillery and baggage behind, and 
to advance rapidly to Fort Duquesne, with a select 
body of troops, a few necessary stores, and some 
pieces of light artillery. Hopes were indulged 
that by this expeditions movement, Fort Duques- 
ne might be reached in its present weak state, 
with a force sufficient to reduce it, before expect- 
ed reinforcements should arrive. General Brad- 
dock approved the scheme, and submitted it to the 
consideration of a council held at tlie Little Mead- 
ows, which reconmiended that the commander 
in chief should advance as rapidly as possible with 
twelve hundred select men, and that Col. Dunbar 
should remain behind with the remainder of the 
troops and the heavy baggage. This advanced 
corps commenced its march with only thirty car- 



CEOUCJE WASHIN'GTOX, ^ 

riages, but did not proceed with the rapidity that 
was expected. They frequently halted to level 
the road, and to build bridges over inconsid- 
erable brooks. They consumed four days in 
passing over the first nineteen miles from the Lit- 
tle Meadows. At this place, the physicians declar- 
ed that Col. Washington's life would be endan- 
gered by advancing with the army. He was there- 
fore ordered by Gen. Braddock to stay behind 
with a small guard till Dunbar should arrive with 
the rear of the army. As soon as his strength 
would permit, he joined the advanced detachment, 
and immediately entered on the duties of his 
office. On the next day, July 9th. a dreadful 
scene took place. When Braddock had crossed 
the Monongahela, and was only a few miles from 
Fort Duquesne, and was pressing forward vviihout 
any apprehension of danger, he ^vas attacked in 
an open road, thick ^et with grass. An invisible 
enemy, consisting of French and Indians, com- 
menced a heavy and well directed fire on his un- 
covered troops. The van fell back on the main 
body, and the whole was thro^\'n into disorder. 
Marksmen levelled their pieces particularly at offi- 
cers, and others on horseback. In a short tinie, 
Washington was the only aid de camp left alive 
and not wounded. On him, therefore, devolved 
the whole duty of carrying the general's orders. 
He was of course obliged to be constantly in mo- 
tion, traversing the field of battle on horseback in 
all directions. He had two horses shot under 
him, and four bullets passed through his coat, but 
he escaped unhurt, though every other officer on 
horseback was either killed or wounded. Provi* 



^^ ■ THE LIFE OF 



dcnce preserved him for further and greater ser- 
vices. Throughout the whole of the carnage and 
confusion of this fatal day, Washington displa^-ed 
the greatest coohiess and the most perfect self 
possession. Braddock was undisma}'ed amidst a 
shower of bullets, and by his countenance and ex- 
ample, encouraged his men to stand their ground ; 
but valour was useless, and discipline only offered 
surer marks to the destructive aim of unseen 
marksmen. Unacquainted with the Indian mode 
ol fighting, Braddock neither advanced unon nor 
retreated from the assailants, but very injudiciously 
endeavoured to form his broken troops on the 
ground where they were first attacked, and where 
they were exposed uncovered to the incessant gall- 
ing fire of a sheltered enemy. He had been cau- 
tioned of the danger to which he was exposed, 
and was advised to advance the provincials in front 
of his troops, to scour the woods and detect am- 
buscades, but he disregarded the salutarv recom- 
mendation. The action lasted near three hours, 
in the course of which the general had three horses 
shot under him, and finally received a wound, of 
which he died in a fev/ days in the camp of Dun- 
bar, to which he had been brought bv Col. Wash- 
ington and others. On the fall of Braddock, his 
troops gave way in all directions, and could not be 
rallied till they liad crossed the Mcnongnheln. 
The Indians, allured by plunder, did not pursue 
with vigour. The vanquislied regulars soon fell 
back to Dunbar's camp,Yrom which, after destroy- 
ing such of their stores as could be soared, they 
retired to Piiiladelphia. The oflicers i'n the Brit- 
ish regiments displayed the greatest braverv-. 



CEORGE WASHT\f;TO>J. 1 1 

rhcii' whole number was eighty five, and sixty 
i'oiir of them were killed or woiindcd. Tlte com- 
mon soldiers were so disconcerted by the unusual 
mode of attack, that they soon broke, and could 
not be rallied. The three Virginia companies 
in the engagement behaved very ditll-rcntly, and 
fought like men till there were scarcely thirty men 
left alive in the whole. This reverse of fortune 
rather added to, than took from, the reputa- 
tion of Washington. His countrymen extolled 
his conduct, and generally said and believed, that 
if he had been commander, the disasters of the day 
would have been avoided. 

Intelligence of Braddock's defeat, and that Col. 
Dunbar had withdrawn all the regular forces from 
Virginia, arrived while the assembly of that colo- 
ny was in session. Impressed with the necessity 
of protecting their exposed frontier settlements, 
they determined to raise a regiment of sixteen 
companies. The command of this was given to 
Washington. So great was the public confidence 
in the souridness of his judgment, that he was au- 
thorized to name the field oBicers. His commis- 
sion also designated him as commander in chief of 
all the forces raised, or to be raised, in Virginia. 

In execution o-f the duties of his new oflicc, 
Washington, after giving the necessary orders for 
the recruiting service, visited the froiuiers. He 
found many posts, but few soldiers. Of these the 
best disposition was made. While on his way to 
Willianisbiirg to arrange a plan of opcratioris with 
the lieutenant governor, he was overtaken by an 
express below Fredericksburg, with information 
that the back settlements were broken up by par- 



12 



TflE LIFE OF 



ties of French and Indians, who were murdering 
and capturing men, women, and children, burn- 
ing their houses, and destroying their crops, and 
that the few troops stationed on the frontiers, un- 
able to protect the country, had retreated to small 
stockade forts. Washington altered his course 
from Williamsburg to Winchester, and endeav- 
oured to collect a force for the defence of the 
country. But this was impossible. The inhab- 
itants, instead of assembling in arms, and facing 
the invaders, fled before them, and extended the 
general panic. While the attention of individuals 
was engrossed by their families and private con- 
cerns, the general safety was neglected. The 
alarm became universal, and the utmost confusion 
prevailed. Before any adequate force was collect- 
ed to repel the assailants, they had safely crossed 
the Alleghany mountains, after having done an 
immensity of mischief. Irruptions of this kind 
were repeatedly made into the frontier settlements 
of Virginia, in the years 1756, 1757, and 1758. 
These generally consisted of a considerable num- 
ber of French and Indians, who were detached 
from Fort Duquesne. It was their usual practice 
on their approaching the settlements, to divide in- 
to small parties, and avoiding the forts, to attack 
solitary families in tiie night, as well as the day. 
The savages, accustomed to live in the woods, 
found little difficulty in concealing themselves till 
their fatal blow was struck. Sundry unimportant 
skirmishes took place, with various results, but 
the number killed on both sides was inconsidera- 
ble, when compared with the mischief done, and 
the many who were put to deatli, otherwise than 



l.IiOlK.K WASHINGTON. 13 

ill battle. The invaders could seldom be brought 
to a regular engagement. Honourable war was 
not in their contemplation. Plunder, devastation, 
and murder, were their objects. The assemblage 
of a respectable force to oppose them, was their 
signal for retreating. Irruptions of this kind were 
so frecjuent for three years following Braddock's 
defeat, that in Pennsylvania, the frontier settlers 
were driven back as far as Carlisle, and in Mary- 
land, to Fredericktown, and in Virginia, to the 
Blue Ridge. 

The distresses of the inhabitants exceeded all 
description. If they went into stockade forts, they 
suffered from the want of provisions ; were often 
surrounded, and sometimes cut off. By fleeing, 
they abandoned the conveniences of home, and 
the means of support. If they continued on their 
farms, they lay down every night under apprehen- 
sions of being murdered before morning. But 
this was not the worst. Captivity and torture 
were frequendy their portion. To all these evils, 
women, aged persons, and children, were equally- 
liable with men in arms ; for savages make no dis- 
tinction. Extermination is their object. To 
Washington the inhabitants looked for that pro- 
tection he had not the means of giving. In a let- 
ter to the governor, he observed, " the supplicat- 
ing tears of the women, and moving petitions of 
the men, melt me with such deadly sorrow, that 
I solemnly declare, if I know my own mind, I 
could offer myself a willing sacrifice to the butch- 
ering enemy, provided that would contribute to 
the people's ease." Virginia presented a frontier 
of three hundred and sixty miles, exposed to these 
3 



14 THE LIFE OE 

incursions. Hard was the lot of Washington, to 
whom was intrusted the defence of these extensive 
settlements without means adequate to the pur- 
pose. The regiment voted by the assembly was 
never filled. Its actual number was oftener be- 
low than above seven hundred men. The militia 
afforded a very feeble aid, on which little reliance 
could be placed. They were slow in collecting, 
and when collected, soon began to hanker after 
home ; and while in camp, could not submit to 
that disciphne, without which an army is a mob. 
The militia laws were very defective. Cowardice 
in time of action, and sleeping while on duty, 
though crimes of the most destructive nature, were 
very inadequately punished by the civil code un- 
der which they took the field. Desertion and mu- 
tiny, for some considerable time, subjected the 
offenders to nothing more than slight penalties. 
Washington was incessant in his representations to 
the governor and to the assembly, that no reliance 
could be placed on the militia, under existing reg- 
ulations, and that the inconsiderable number, in- 
listed for regular service, together with the plans 
proposed for the security of the frontiers, were al- 
together inadequate. He not only pointed out the 
defect of the systems which had been adopted, 
but submitted to the consideration of those in pow- 
er, such measures as he thought best, and partic- 
ularly recommended, in case offensive operations 
were not adopted, that twenty two forts, extending 
in a line of three hundred and sixty miles, should 
be immediately erected and garrisoned by two 
thousand men, in constant pay and service ; but 
on all occasions gave a decided preference to the 



GEOUGK WASIIINGTOX. 



15 



reduction of Fort Duqiiesn^, as the only radical 
remedy for the evils to which the frontier settle- 
ments were exposed. Propositions to this effect 
were made and urged by him in 1756 and 1757, 
both to the government of Virginia, and the com- 
manders in chief of the British forces in America ; 
but a shortsighted policy in the first, and a prefer- 
ence given by the last to a vigorous prosecution 
of the war in the northern colonies, prevented their 
acceptance. To his inexpressible joy, the project 
obtained, in the year 1758, the complete approba- 
tion of Gen. Forbes, who was charged with the 
defence of the middle and southern colonies. This 
being resolved upon, the movements of the army 
were directed to that point. Part of the force des- 
tined for this expedition was at Philadelphia ; part 
at Ray's Town ; and part dispersed on the fron- 
tiers of Virginia. To bring all together, was a 
work of time and difficulty. Washington urged 
the necessity of an early campaign; but such de- 
lays took place that he did not receive orders to 
assemble his regiment at Winchester, till the 24th. 
of May ; nor to proceed from thence to Fort Cum- 
berland, till the 24th. of June ; nor to proceed to 
Ray's Town, till the 21st. September. The main 
b(jdy did not commence their march from Ray's 
Town, till the 2d. of October, and it was as late 
as the 25th. of November when they reached Fort 
Duquesne. These delays were extremely morti- 
fying to Washington, and threatened to render the 
campaign abortive. He urged the necessity of ex- 
pedition, and most pointedly remonstrated against 
one of the principal causes of delay. This was a 
resolution adopted by his superiors, for opening a 



16 • Tin: Lii'E OF 

new road lor tlic army, in preference to that which 
Avas generally known by the name of Gtn. Brad- 
dock's. Being' overrnkd, he quietly submitted. 
Instead of embarrassing measiuTs he thought in- 
judicious, the whole energies of himself and his 
regiment were exerted to make the most of those 
which his commandmg officer preferred. The 
progress of the army was so slow, that it did not 
reach Loyal Hannah till the 5th. of November. 
Here it was determined in a council of war, " to 
be unadvisable to proceed any further that cam- 
paign." If this resolution had been adhered to> 
the only alternative would have been to winter an 
army of eight thousand men in a cold inhosjiitable 
wilclerness, remote from all friendly settlements, or 
to tread back their steps and wait for a more fa- 
vourable season. In either case they would have 
suffered immensely. The propriety of the remon- 
strances made by Washington against the many 
dela}s which had taken place, now became obvi- 
ously striking. The hopes of restoring peace to 
the frontier settlements by reducing Fort Ducjues- 
ne, began to vanish. But contrary to all hunian 
appearances, success was now offered to their 
grasp at the very moment they had gi\en up every 
hope of obtaining it. 

Some prisoners were taken, who gave such in- 
formation of the state of the garrison, as induced 
a reversal of the late determination, and encourag- 
ed the general to proceed. Washington was in 
front superintending the opening of the road for 
the accommodation of the troops. They advanced 
with slow and cautious steps until they reached 
Fort Duquesne. To their great surprise they 



CiEOIlGE %VAS1II\GT0N. 



17 



found the fort evacuated, and that the garrison had 
retreated down the Ohio. The reasons for the 
abandonment of so advantageous a position, must 
be looked for elsewhere. The British had urged 
the war with so much vigour and success against 
the French to the northward of the Ohio, that no 
reinforcements could be spared to Fori Duquesne. 
The British fleet had captured a considerable part 
of the reinforcements designed by France for her 
colonies. The tide of fortune had begun to turn 
against the French in favour of the English. This 
weakened the influence of the former over the In- 
dians, and caused them to withdraw from the sup- 
port of the garrison. Under difierent circumstan- 
ces, the success of the campaign would have been 
doubtful, perhaps impracticable. The benefits 
which resulted from the acquisition of Fort Du- 
quesne, proved the soimduess of Washington's 
judgment in so warmly urging, for three years, an 
expedirion for its reduction. These were not con- 
fined to Virginia, but extended to Pennsylvania 
and Maryland. VV hile the French were in posses- 
sion of that post, the Indians near the Ohio were 
entirely at their beck. This was their place of 
rendezvous, and from it they made frequent and 
ruinous incursions into these three colonies. They 
neither spared age nor sex, but killed or captivat- 
ed indiscriminately all who came in t^ieir way. 
Fire and devastation ; the scalping knife and tom- 
ahawk, marked their route. A complete revolu- 
tion in the disposition of the Indians, resulted from 
the expulsion of the French. x\lways prone to 
take part with the strongest, the Indians deserted 
3* 



18 TllK LIFE 01- 

their ancient friends, and paid court to those who, 
by recent conquest, were now in possession of the 
country. A treaty of peace was soon after con- 
chided with all the Indian tribes between the lakes 
and the Ohio. Fort Duquesne henceforward as- 
sumed the name of Fort Pitt, received consider- 
able repairs, and was garrisoned by two hundred 
men from Washington's regiment. It became as 
useful in future to the English settlements, ys it 
had been injurious while in the occupation of the 
French. 

, The campaign of 1758 ended the military ca- 
reer of Col. Washington as a provincial officer. 
The great object on which his heart was set, the 
reduction of Fort Duquesne, being accomplished, 
he resigned his commission. 

During the three preceding years in which he 
was chuiged with the defence of Viiginia, none of 
those great events occurred which enliven and 
adorn the p.ige of history ; yet the duties he per- 
formed were extremely arduous. He established 
exact discipline in his regiment, though uiiaci'us- 
tomed to restraint, and infui^ed into them such a 
spirit as made ti.em, when in action fight like men, 
and die like soldiers. 

The difficnlues of defending such an extensive 
froi tic ,, wiih so iiuidequate a force, would have 
cluigrintd Jmost any oiher man into a resignation 
of the command, but oiily excited in him greater 
importumtv widi the ruling powers, for the cor- 
rtriinw of errors. The plaiib he proposed, the 
sybtcuib he recommended lor conducting the war, 
disphiyed ^u\ uncommon vigoiir of mind. He re- 
tired ironi the anuy wiUi the thanks of his regi- 



GEOllGE WAS!llX(iTON. 19 

ment, and the esteem not only of liis countrymen, 
but of the officers of the British army ; cind what 
is particularly remarkable, aiih the undiiniijished 
confidence of the frontier settlers, to whoni he was 
unable to extend that protection they expected 
from his hands. They were ihoroiis^Iily convinced 
he had made the best possible use of his scanty 
means for the security of so expensive a frontier; 
and to the weight of his advice v,\ recommenduig, 
and spirited co-operation in executing, they as- 
cribed a large proportion of the merit of the late 
successful expedition against Fort Duquesne ; an 
event from which they promised themselves an 
exemption from the calamities under which they 
had long laboured. As a reward of his gallant and 
patriotic services, he shortly after obtained the 
hand of Mrs. Custis, who, to a fine person and 
large fortune, added every accomplishment which 
contiibuies to the hapj)iness of manied life. Col. 
Washington, by the death of his elder brotlier 
Lciwrence, had a few years before acquired an es- 
tate situated on the Patowmack, called Mount 
Vernon, in compliment to adairal Vernon, who, 
about the year 1741, comnuiiided the Bi it sh fleet 
in an expediiion against Carthagena, in which ex- 
pedition Mr. Lawrence VVashii)glon had been en- 
gaged. 

To this delighiful '-pot the late commander of 
the Virginia forces, released from the cares of a 
military life, and in possession of every thing that 
could make life agieeabir, withdrew, and gjve 
hi Tiself up to domestic pursuits. These were con- 
ducred w'v\\ so much judgment, steadiness, and 
industry, as grealiy to enlarge and improve his 



20 THE LIFE OP 

estate. To them he exclusively devoted himself 
for fifteen years, with the exception of sci ving in 
the house of burgesses of the colony of Virginia, 
and as a judge of the court of the county in which 
he resided. In these stations he acquitted him- 
self with reputation, and acquired no inconsider- 
able knowledge in the science of civil government. 
During this period, the clashing claims of Great 
Britain and her colonies were frequently brought 
before the Virginia legislature. In every instance 
he took a decided part in the opposition made to the 
principle of taxation claimed by the parent state. 

Had Great Britain been wise, the history of 
George Washington would have ended here, with 
the addition that he died in the sixty eighth year 
of his age, having sustained through life the char- 
acter of a good man, an excellent farmer, a wise 
member of the legislature, and an impartial dis- 
tributer of justice among his neighbours. Very 
diiTerent was his destiny. From being the com- 
mander of the forces of his native colony, Virginia, 
he was advanced to the command of the arniics 
of thirteen United Colonies, and successfully led 
them through a revolutionary war of eight years 
duration, which issued in their establishment as 
thirteen United States. The origin of these great 
events must be looked for across the Atlantic. 



<jeouc;f> washing rox. 



21 



CHAPTER II. 



Retrospect of the origin of tlic American rcvolutionnr)- war Of Georgp 

Washington as member of oongress, in 1774 an<l 1775 As Com- 
mander in Chief of the armies of the United Colonies in 1775 and 
177G, and iiis operations near Boston, in these \ears. 



>S:ox after the peace of Paris, 1763, a new system 
for {governing tht British colonics, was adopted. 
One abrid.i^nient of thtir accustomed hherties fol- 
lowed another in such rapid succession, that in 
the short space of twelve years they had nothing 
left they could call their own. The British par- 
Ii;iment, in which they were unrepresented, and 
0'.<.r which they had no control, not only claimed, 
but exercised the power of taxing them at j)leas- 
urc. and of binding them in all cases whatsoever. 
Claims so repugnant to the spirit of the British 
constitution, and which made such invidious dis- 
tinctions between the subjects of the same king, 
residing on different sides of the Atlantic, excited 
a st'Vious alarm among the colonists. Detached 
as they were from each other by local residence, 
and unconnected in their several legislatures, a 
sense of common danger poirited out to them the 
wisdom ajid propriety of forming a new represent- 
ative bod'v, composed of delegates from each col- 
onv, to tcike care of their common interests, 



i22 



THE LIFE OP' 



With very littlq^^previoiis concert, such a body 
was forintd and met in Philadelphia, in Septem- 
ber, 1774, and entered into the serious considera-'* 
tion ot" the grievances under which the ir constitu- 
ents laboured. To this congress Virginia deput- 
ed seven of her most respectable citizens ; Peyton 
Kandolph, Richard Henry Lee, George Washing- 
ton, Patrick Henry, Richard Bland, Benjumiii 
Harrison, Edmund Pendleton ; men who would 
have done honour to any age or country. The 
same were appointed in like manner to attend a 
second congress on the 10th. of May, in the follow- 
ing year. The historians of the American revo- 
lution will detail with pleasure and pride, the pro- 
ceedings of this illustrious assembly ; the firmness 
and precision with which they stated their griev- 
ances, and petitioned their sovereign to redress 
them ; the eloquence with which they addressed 
the people of Great Britain, the inhabitants of Can- 
ada, and their own constituents; the judicious 
measures they adopted for cementing union at 
home, and procuring friends abroad. They will 
also inform the world of the unsuccessful termina- 
tion of all plans proposed for preserving the union 
of the empire, and that Great Britain, proceeding 
from one oppression to another, threw the colonies 
out of her protection, made war upon them, and 
carried it on with a view to their subjugation. 
All these matters, together with the commence- 
ment of hostilities at Lexington, and the formation 
of an American army by the colony of Massachu- 
setts, for defendi !g themselves against a royal ar- 
my in Boston, must be here passed over. Oar 
business is only with George Washington. The 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. ist> 

fame he had acquired as commander of the Virginia 
forces, together with his well known military tal- 
ents, procured for him the distinguishing appella- 
tion of the Soldier of America. Those who, be- 
fore the commencement of hostilities, looked for- 
ward to war as the probable consequence of the 
disputes between Great Britain and her colonies, 
anticipated his appointment to the supreme com- 
mand of the forces of his native country. 

As long as he continued a member of Congress, 
he was chairman of every committee appointed by 
that body to make arrangements for defence. 
These duties in the Senate were soon superseded 
by more active employment in the field. As soon 
as the Congress of the United Colonies had deter- 
mined on making a common cause with Massa- 
chusetts, against which a Britisii army had com- 
menced hostilities, they appointed, by an unani- 
mous vote, George Washington, commander in 
chief of all the forces raised or to be raised for the 
defence of the colonies. His election was accom- 
panied with no competition, and followed by no en- 
vy. The same general impulse on the public mind, 
which led the colonies to agree in many other par- 
ticulars, pointed to him as the most proper person 
for presiding over their armies. 

To the president of Congress announcing this 
appointment. General Washington replied in the 
following words ; 

" MR PRESIDENT, 

" Though I am truly sensible of the high hon- 
our done me in this appointment, yet I feel great 
distress from a consciousness that mv abilities and 



24 



THE LIFK OF 



military experience may not be equal to the ex- 
tensive and important trust. However, as the 
Congress desire it, I will enter uj)on the momen- 
tous duty, and exert every power I p(jssess in their 
service, and for suj^port of the glorious cause. I 
beg they will accept my most cordial thanks, for 
this distinguished testimony of their approbiition. 
•" but kst some unlucky event should happen 
mifavourable to my reputation, 1 beg it niciy be re- 
membered by every gentleman m the room, that 
I this day declare with the utmost sincerity, 1 do 
not think myself equal to the command lam hon- 
oured with. 

" As to pay, Sir, I beg leave to assure the Con- 
gress that as no pecuniary consideration could 
have tempted me to accept this arduous employ- 
ment, at the expense of my dorriesticease and hap- 
piness, I do not wish to make any prolit from it. I 
will keep an exact account of my expenses ; those I 
doubt not they will discharge, and thai isali 1 desire." 

A special commission was made out for him, 
and at the same time an unanimous resolution was 
adopted by Congress, " that they would maintain 
and assist him, and adhere to him with their lives 
and fortunes, for the maintenance and preservation 
of Vinerican Liberty." 

He immediately entered on the duties of his 
high station. After passing a few days in New 
York, and making so ne arrangements with Gen. 
Scluiyler, who commandi d there, he proceeded to 
Cambridge, which was the heaclcjuarters of ihc 
American army. On his way thitner, he received 
from piivate persons and public l>odies, ihe most 
flattering aiteiitiou, and the strongest expressions 



WKOHGE "WASJIINCn'OX, 



25 



of determination to support Kim. He received an 
address from the Provincial Congress of New- 
York, in whicli, after expressing their approbation 
of his elevation to command, they say, " We have 
the fnllest assurances, that whenever this impor- 
tant contest shall be decided by that fondest wish 
of each American soul, an accommodation with 
our mother country, you will cheerfully resign the 
important deposit committed into your hands, and 
reassume the character of our worthiest citizen."" 
The (jcneral, after declaring his gratitude for the 
respect shown him, added, " Be assured that 
every exertion of my worthy colleagues and my- 
self, will be extended to the. re-establishment of 
peace and harmony between the mother country 
and tliese colonies: As to the Ltal, but necessary 
operations of war, wiien we assumed the soldier 
we did not lay aside the citizen, and we shall most 
sincerely rejoice with you in that happy hour, 
when the re-establishment of American liberty, on 
the most firm and solid ibundations, shall enable 
us to return to our private stations, in the bosom 
of a free, peaceful, and haj:>py coimtry." 

A committee from tiie Massachusetts Congress 
received him at ^ipringfield,' about one hundred 
miles from Boston, and condncted him to the ar- 
my. He was soon after addressed l)y the Con- 
gress of that colony in the most aifectionate man- 
ner. In his answer, he said, "Gentlemen, your 
kind congratulations on my appointtuent and ar- 
rival, demand my warmest acknowletlgments, and 
will ever be retained in grateful remembrance. 
In exchangmg the enjoy mencs of domestic hfc for 



• . THE LIFE OF 

die duties of my present honourable, but arduous 
station, I only emulate tlie virtue and public spirit 
6f the whole province of Massachusetts, which, 
with a firmness and patriotism without example, 
ilas sacrificed all the comforts of social and polit- 
ical life in support of the rights of mankind, and 
the welfiire of our common country. My highest 
ambition is to be the happy instrument of vindi- 
G^iting these rights, and to see this devoted prov- 
ince again restored to peace, liberty, and safety." 
When Gen. Washington arrived at Cambridge, 
he was received with the joyful acclamations of 
the American army. At the head of his troops, 
he published a declaration previously drawn up 
by Congress, in the nature of a manifesto, setting 
forth the reasons for taking up arms. In this, 
after enumerating various grievances of the colo- 
nies, and vindicating them from a premeditated 
design of establishing independent states, it was 
added ; " In our own native land, in defence of 
the freedom which is our birthright, and which 
\vc ever enjoyed till the late violation of it ; for 
the protection of our property, acquired solely 
by the industry of our forefathers and ourselves, 
iigainst violence actually offered ; we have taken 
up arms ; we shall lay them down when hostiiities 
shall cease on the part of the aggressors, and all 
danger of their being renewed shall be removed, 
and not before." 

When Gen. Washington joined the American 
army, he found the British intrenched on Bunker's 
Hill, having also three floating batteries in Mystic 
B.|ver^ and'a twenty gun ship below the ktry be- 



GEORGE WASSIINGTONT. ^7 

tween Boston and Charlestown. They had also a 
battery on Copse's Hill, and were strongly forti- 
fied on the neck. The Americans were intrench- 
ed at Winter Hill, Prospect Hill, and Roxbury, 
communicating with one another by small posts 
over a distance of ten miles, nor could they be 
contracted without exposing the country to the 
incursions of the enemy. 

The army put under the command of Washing- 
ton amounted to fourteen thousand five Imndred 
men. Several circumstances concurred to render 
this force very inadequate to active operations. 
Military stores were deficient in camp, and the 
whole in the country was inconsiderable. On the 
4-lh. of August, all the stock of powder in the 
American camp, and in the ]:)ublic magazines of 
the four New England provinces, would have 
made very little more than nine rounds a man.* In 
this destitute condition the army remained for a 
fortnight. To the want of powder was added a very 
general want of bayonets, of clothes, of working 
tools, and a total want of engineers. Under ail 
these embarrassments, the General observed, that 
* he had the materials of a good army ; that the mcri 
were able Ijodied, active, zealous in the cause, and 
of unquestionable courage." He immediatel}' in- 
stituted such arrangements as were calculated to 
increase their capacit}- for service. The army was 
distributed into brigades and divisions, and on his 
recommendation, general stalf officers were appoint- 
ed. Economy, union, and system, were intro- 
duced into every department. As the troops came 
into service under the authority of distinct colonial 
governments; no uniformity existed among the 



28 



THE LI Pi': OP 



ret2:iments. In IMassaclui setts tlie men bad chosen 
their officers, and, rank excepted, were m other 
respects, IVequentiy their equals. To form one 
iiiifbrni mass ol" these discordant materials, and to 
subject freemen animated with the spirit of liber- 
tVj and collected ior its dc fence, to the control of 
military discipline, required patience, forbearance, 
and a spirit of accommodation. This delicate and 
arduous duty was rmdertaken by (^en. Washing- 
ton, and discharged v^'ith great address. When 
he had made considerable progress in discipilnii^.g 
his army, the term for which iniistments had taken 
place was on the point of expiring. Thetroops 
from Connecticut and Rhode Island were only en- 
gaged to the first of December, 1775 ; and no part 
of tlie army longer than to the first of January, 
177G. The commander in chief made early and 
forcible representations to Congress on this sub- 
ject, and urged them to adopt efficient measures 
for the formation of a new arm}' . They deputed 
three of their members, Mr. Lynch, Dr. Franklin, 
and Mr. Harrison, to repair to camp, and, in con- 
junction with hin) and the chief magistrates of the 
New England colonies, to confer on the most effec- 
tual mode of continuing, supporting, and regulat- 
ing, a continental army. By them it was resolved 
to list twenty three thoiisarid seven hundred and 
twenty two men, as far as practicable, from the 
troops before Boston, to serve till the last day of 
December, 1776, unless sooner discharged by 
Congress. In the execution of this resolve, Wash- 
ington called upon all officers and soldiers to make 
their election for retiring or continuing. Several 
of the inferior officers retired. Many of tne mea 



GEORGK ^VASHINGTON. 29 

would not continue on any terms. Several refus- 
ed, unless they were indulged with furloughs. 
Others, unless they were allowed to choose their 
officers. So many impediments obstructed the 
recruiting service, that it required great address to 
obviate them. Washington made forcible a[)peals 
in general orders, to the pride and pati-iotism of 
both officers and men.( He promised every indul- 
gence compatible with safety, and every comfort 
that the state of the country authorized. In gen- 
eral orders of the 20th. of October, he observed, 
*' The times, and die importance of the great cause 
we arc engaged in, allow no room for hesitation 
and delay. When life, liberty, and property, are 
at stake ; when our country is in danger of being 
a melcincholy scene of bloodshed and desolation ; 
when our towns are laid in ashes, innocent women 
and children driven from their peaceful habitations, 
exposed to the rigours of an inclement season, to 
depend perhaps on the hand of charity for sup- 
port ; when calamities like these are staring us in 
the face, and a brutal savage enemy threatens us 
and every thing we hold dear with destruction 
from foreign .troops, it little becomes the charac- 
ter of a soldier to shrink from danger, and condi- 
tion for new terms. It is the General's intention 
to indulge both officers and soldiers who compose 
the new army with furlougiis for a reasonable, 
time ; but this must be done in such' a manner as 
not to injure the service, or-v/eaken the army too 
much at once." In the instructions given to the 
recruiting officers, the General enjoined ujion them 
" not to inhst any person suspected of benig un- 
friendly to tile liberties of Amerie:!, or any aban« 
4^ 



i30 • THi'. LIFE OF 

cloned vagabond, to whom all causes and coun- 
tries are equal aisd alike indifferent." 

Though great exertions had been made to pro- 
cure recruits, yet the regiments were not filled. 
Several causes operated in producing this disincli- 
nation to the service. The sufferings of the army 
had been great. Fuel svas very scarce. Clothes, 
and even provisions, had not been furnished them 
in sufficient quantities. The smallpox deterred 
many from entering ; but the principal reason was 
a dislike to a military life. Much also of that en- 
thusiasm which brought numbers to the field, on 
the commencement of hostilities, had abated. The 
army of 1775 was wasting away by the expiration 
cf the terms of service, and recruits for the new, 
entered slowly. The regiments which were enti- 
tled to their discharge on the 1st. of December, 
were with great diilicuity persuaded to stay ten 
days, when reir.forcements of militia were expect- 
ed to supply their phice. P^om the eagerness of 
the old troops to go home, and the slowness of the 
new to enter the servi-e, it was difficult to keep up 
the blockade. On the last day of the year, wh.eii 
the first vrere entirely disbanded, the last only 
amounted to nine thousand six hundred and iiity 
men, and many of these v;ere absent on furiough. 
At t'nis time the royal army in Boston v\/as aix)ut 
.tight thousand. To assist the recruiting service, 
the General recommended to Congress to try the 
effects of a bounty, but tills was not agreed to till 
late in January, 1776. In that and the foUowirig 
month the arniy was considerably increased. 

The blockade of Boston was all this time kept 
up, and the enemy confined to the city, but this 



CKORGE w.vsinN-c.rox. 



oi 



was far short of what the American people expect- 
ed. Comnion fame represented the troops under 
the command of Washington to be nearly treble 
the royal army. This ample force was supposed 
to be furnished with every thing- necessary for the 
most active operations. Tlieir real numbers and 
deficient equipments were, for obvious reasons, 
carefully concealed. The ardour and impatience 
of ihe public had long since counted on the ex- 
pulsion of the British from Boston. Washington 
was equally ardent, but better informed and more 
prudent. He well knew the advantages that would 
result to the cause in which he was engaged from 
some brilliant stroke, nor was he insensible to in- 
sinuations by some that he was devoid of energy, 
and by others that he wished to prolong his own 
importance by continuing the war. He bore these 
murmurs with patiep^e ; but nevertheless, had his 
eyes directed to Boston, and wished for an open- 
ing to commence oftensive operations. The pro- 
priety of this measure was submitted to the con- 
sideration of repeated councils of war, who uni- 
formly decl.ired against it. A hope was neverthe- 
less indulged duit ice in the coufse of the winter, 
Avould be favourable to an assault. That this op- 
portunity migiu not be lost, measures were adopt- 
ed for procuring large reinlbreements of m litia to 
serve till the ftrst of xMarch, 1776. From four ta 
fi\'e thousand men were accordingly procured. 
Contrary to what is usual, the waters about Bos- 
ton continued open till the middle of February. 
Councils of war were hitherto nearly unanimous 
against an assault. General Washington was less 
opposed to it than some others, but the want of 



32 - rHK LIFE Of 

ammunition for the artillery, together with the 
great probability of failure, induced hiin to decline 
the attempt. In lieu of it he formed a bold reso- 
lution to take a new position that would either 
coiupel the British General to come to an action, 
or to evacuate Boston. The Ajuerican army was 
now stronger than ever. Rc^cruiting for the two 
last months had been unusualiy successful. The 
regular army exceeded fourteen thousand men, 
and the militia were about six thousand. Wash- 
ington, thus reinforced, determined to fortify the 
heights of Dorchester, from which he could annoy 
the ships in the harbour, and the army in the 
town. To favour the execution of this plan, the 
town and lines of the enemy were bombarded on 
the 2d. 3d. and 4th. of March. On the night of 
the 4th. Gen. Thomas, with a considerai)le detach- 
ment, took possession of the J^ights of Dorches- 
ter. By great exertions this party in the course 
of the night, nearly covered themselves from the 
shot of the enemy. The appearance of their works 
caused no little surprise in the Br tish camp. 
These were every hour advancing so as to afford 
additional security to the Americans posted be- 
hind them. The Admiral informed Gen. Howe, 
that if the Americans kept possession of these 
heights, he would not be able to keep one of the 
British ships in tlie harbour. The enemy were 
now brought to the alternative which Washington 
wished for. They must either risk an action with- 
out their lines^or abandon the .place. Gen. Howe 
preferred the former, and oidered three thousand 
men on this service. Tliese were embarked, and 
fell down to the Casde with the intention of pro- 



GEDRGK WASHtNGTOX. 33 

eeeding iip the river to the attack, hot were dis- 
persed by a tremendous storm. Before the} could 
be in readiness to proceed, t'ne American works 
were advanced to such a state of security as to 
discourage any attempt against them. 

Washington expecting an inmiediate assault on 
the new raised works at Dorchestei", and judging 
that the best troops of the enemy would be order- 
ed on that service, had prepared to attack the town 
of Boston at the same time ; four thousand men 
were ready for embarkation at the mouth of Cam- 
bridge river to j)roceed on this business, as soon 
as it was known that the British were gone out in 
force to their intended attack. It was now resolv- 
ed by the British to evacuate Boston as scon as 
possible. In a few days after, a flag came out of 
Boston with a paper signed by four select men, 
informing, " that they had applied to Gen. Rob- 
ertson, who, on an application to Gen. Howe, was 
authorized to assure them, that he had no intention 
of burning the town, unless the troops under his 
command were molested during their embarkation, 
or at their departure, by the armed force vv^ithout." 
When this paper was presented to Gen. Washiiig- 
ton, he replied, " that as it was an unauthenticat- 
ed paper, and uidiout an address, and not obi ga- 
tory on Gen. Howe, he could take no notice of it ;" 
but at the same time *' intimated his good wishes 
for the security of the town." 

Washington made arrangements for the securi- 
ty of his army, but did not advance his works nor 
embarrass the British army in iheir propoed evac- 
uation. He wished to save Boston, and to gain 
time for the fortification of New York, to which 



S4 



'PIIE LIFE 01- 



place he supposed the evacuating army was des- 
tiiifd. Under this impression, he detached a con- 
siderable p.irt of his army to that place, and with 
the remainder took possession of Boston, as soon 
as the British troops had completed their embark- 
ation. On entering the town, Washington was 
received with marks of approbation more flatter- 
ing than the pomps of a triumph. 

The inhabitants, released from the severities of" 
a garrison life, and from the various indignities to 
which they were subjected, h.iiled him as their de- 
liverer. Reciprocal congratulations between those 
who had been confined within the British lines, 
and those who were excluded from entering tlie'm, 
were exchanged v/ith an ardour which cannot be 
described. Gen. Washington was honoured by 
.Congress with a vote of thanks. They also or- 
dered a medal to be struck, with suitable devices 
to perpetuate the remembrance of the great event. 
The Massachusetts Council, and House of Repre- 
sentatives complimented him in a joint address, in 
which they expressed their good wishes in the fol- 
lowing v^'ords ; " May you still go on approved 
by Heaven, revered by all good men, and dreaded 
by those tyrants who claim their fellow men as 
their property." His answer was modest and 
proper. 



QEORGE WASllIXCrTGN. 35 



CHAPTER III. 



CAMPAIGN OF 1776. 



Of the operations of General Washnigton in New York and New Jer- 
sey The b'ttle on Long Islai'd — T!ie retreat from York Island aad 

through Jei-sey The battles of Trenton and Princeton. 



T'fR evacuation of Boston varied the scene, but 
did not lessen the labours of Washinf^on. Hence- 
forward he had a much more formidable enemy 
to contend with. The royal army in Boston was, 
on a smull scale, calculated to awe the inhabitants 
of Massachusetts into obedience, but the cam- 
paign of 1776 was opened in New York with a 
force fi\r exceeding any thing hitherto seen in 
America. Including the navy and army, it amount- 
ed to fifty five thousand men, and was calculated 
on the idea of reducing the whole United Colo- 
nies. The operations contemplated could be best 
carried on from the nearly central province of New 
York, and the army could I)e supplied with pro- 
visions from the adjacent islands, and easily de- 
fended by the British navy. For these reasons, 
the evacuation of Boston, and the concentration of 
the royal forces at New York, had been for some 
time resolved upon in England. 

The reasons that induced the British to gain 
possession of New York, weighed with Washing- 



56 THE LIFE OF 

ton to prevent or delay it. He had therefore de- 
tached largely /rom his army before Boston, and 
sent Gen. Lee to take the command, and after pro- 
vidng for the security of Boston, proceeded soon 
after the evacuation thereof with the main army to 
New York, and made every preparation in his, 
power for its defence. Considerable time was al- 
lowed for this purpose ; for Gen. Howe, instead of 
pushing directly for New York, retired to Halifax, 
with the forces withdrawn from Boston. He 
there waited for the promised reinforcements from 
England; but, impatient of delay, sailed without 
them for New York, and took possession of Staten 
Island in the latter end of June. He was soon 
followed by his brother. Admiral Howe, and their 
whole force was asseinbled about the middle of Ju- 
ly, and in apparent readiness for opening the cam- 
paign. Before hostilities were commenced, the 
Bi iiish General and Admiral, in their quality of 
civil commissioners forelicctinga reunion between 
Great Britain and the Coloriies, made an attempt 
at negolialion. To introduce this business, they 
sent a flag ashore with a letter addressed to Geoige 
Washington, Esq. This he refused to receive, as 
not being addressed to him with the title due to 
his rank, ai\d at the same time wrote to Congress, 
*' That he. would not, on any occasion, sacrifice 
essentials to ])unctilio, but in this instance, deem- 
ed it a duty to his country to insist on that resjiect 
whioh, iii any other than a public view, he would 
willingly have waved.'' So .le time after, Adju- 
taut General Patterson was sent by (en. Howe 
vvrih a letter addressed to George Washington, 
&c. &,c. &:c. On an interview, the Adjutant Gen- 



c; KORLi K WAS 1 llNCi lOX. 



37 



oral, after expressing his high esteem for the per- 
son and character of the American General, and 
declaring that it was not intended to derogate from 
the respect due to his rank, expressed his hopes, 
that the et ceteras would remove the impediments 
to their correspondence. Gen. Washington re- 
plied, " That a letter directed to any person in a 
public character, should have some description of 
it, otherwise it would appear a mere private letter ; 
that it was true the et ceteras implied every thing, 
but they also implied any thing, and that he should 
therefore decline the receiving any letter directed 
to him as a private person, when it related to his 
public station." A long conference ensued, in 
which the Adjutant General observed, that " the 
Commissioners were armed with great powers, 
and would be very happy in effecting an accom- 
modation." He received for answer, " that from 
what appeared, their powers were only to grant 
pardons ; that they who had committed no fault 
wanted no pardon." 

On the arrival of Gen. Howe at Staten Island, 
the American army did not exceed ten thousand 
men, but by sundry reinforcements before the end 
of August, they amounted to twenty seven thous- 
and. Of these a great part were militia, and one 
fourth of the whole was sick. The diseases inci- 
dent to new troops prevailed extensively, and were 
aggravated by a great deficiency in tents. These 
troops were so judiciously distributed on York 
Island Long Island, Governor's Island, Paulus 
Hook, and on the Sound toward New Rochelle, 
East and West Chester, that the enemy were very 
cautious in determining when or where to com- 
5 



38 . THE LIFK or 

mence offensive operations. Every j^robable point 
of debarkation was watched, and guarded with a 
force sufficient to embarrass, though very insnffi- 
eiejit to prevent, a landing. From the arrival of 
the British army at S^aten Island, the Americans 
Were in daily expectation of being at^iicked. Gen- 
eral Washington was therefore strenuous in pre- 
paring his troops for action. He tried every ex- 
pedient to kindle in their breasts the love of their 
country, and an high toned indignation against its 
invaders. In general orders he addressed them 
as follows. " The time is now near at hand, w hich 
imust probably determine whether iVmericans are 
.to be freemen or slaves ; whether they are to have 
any property they can call their own ; whether 
itheir houses and forms are to be pillaged and de- 
stroyed, and themselves consigned to a state of 
ivretchedness, from which no human efforts will 
(deliver them. The fate of unborn millions will 
now depend, under God, on the courage and con- 
duct of this army. Our cruel and unrelenting 
enemy, leaves us only the choice of a brave re- 
sistance, or the most abject submission. We 
have therefore to resolve to conquer or to die. Our 
own, our country's honour, calls upon us for a 
vigorous and manly exertion ; and if we now shame- 
fully fail, we shall become infamous to the whole 
world. Let us then rely on the goodness of our 
cauSe, and the aid of the Supreme Being, in 
whose hands victory is, to animate and encourage 
us to great asid noble actions. The eyes of all our 
countrymen are now upon us, and we shall have 
their blessings and praises, if happily v\e are the 
instruments of saving them from the tyranny med- 



gk,oui;e w ashincton. 39 

itated against them. Let us therefore animate 
and encourage each other, and show the whole 
world that a freeman contendmg for liberty on his 
own ground, is superior to any slavish mercenary 
on earth." 

When the whole reinforcements of the enemy 
had arrived, Gen. Washington, in expectation of 
an immediate attack, again addressed his army, 
and called on them to remember that "libertyj 
property, life, and honour, were all at stake ; that 
upon their courage and conduct, rested the hopes 
of their bleeding and insulted country ; that their 
wives, children, and parents, expected safety from 
them only ; and that they had every reason to be- 
lieve that Heaven would crown with success so 
just a cause." He farther added ; "The enemy 
will endeavour to intimidate by show and rippear- 
ance, but remember they have been repulsed on 
various occasions by a few brave Americans. 
Their cause is bad ; their men are conscious of it, 
and if opposed with firmness and coolness on their 
first onset, with our advantage of works, and 
knowledge of the ground, the victory is most as- 
suredly ours. Every good soldier will be silent 
and attentive ; wait for orders,; and reserve his 
fire until he is sure of doing execution ; of this 
the officers are to be particularly, careful." 

Heathen gave the most explicit orders that any 
soldier ^^•ho should attempt to conceal himself, or 
retreat without orders, should instantly be shot 
down, as an example of tiie punishment of cow- 
ardice, and desired every officer to be particularly 
attentive to the conduct of his men, and report 
those who should distinguish themselves by brave 



40 ' iilE LIFE OF 

and noble actions. These he solemnly promised 
to notice and reward. 

On the22d. of Augnst, the greatest joart of the 
British troops landed on Long Island. Washing- 
ton immediately made a farther eftbrt to ronse his 
troops to deeds of valour. " The enemy," said 
he, "have landed, and the hour is flist approach- 
ing on which the honour and success of this army, 
and the safety of our bleeding country, depends. 
Remember, officers and soldiers, that you are free- 
men, fighting for the blessings of Liberty ; that 
slavery will be your portion and that of your pos- 
terity, if you do not acquit yourselves like men. 
Remember how your courage has been despised 
and traduced by 3'our cruel invaders, though they 
have found by dear experience at Boston, Charles- 
town, and other places, what a few brave men, 
contending in their own land, and in the best of 
causes, can do against hirelings and mercenaries. 
Be cool, but determined. Do not fire at a dis-~ 
tance, but wait for orders from your officers." 
He repeated his injunctions, *' to shoot down any 
person who should misbehave in action," and his 
hope "that none so infamous would be found, 
but that, on the contrary, each for himself resolv- 
ing to conquer or die, and trusting to the smiles 
of Heaven on so just a cause, would behave with 
bravery and resolution." His assurance of re- 
wards to those who should distinguish themselves, 
were repeated ; and he declared his confidence, 
" that if the army would but emulate and imitate 
their brave countrymen in other parts of Amer- 
ica, they would, by a glorious victory, save their 



GRORGE W ASHING rOxN. \ 41 

country, and acquire to themselves immortal hon- 
our.'' ^ 

On the 5th. day after their landing, the British 
attacked the Asncricans on Louir Island, com- 
manded by Gen. Sullivan. The variety of i^ronnd 
and the difft-rent parties employed in different 
places, both in the attack and dt fence, occasioned 
a succession of sm ill engagements, pursuits, and 
slaughter, which lasted for many hours. 

The Americans were defeated in all direct ions. 
The circumstances which eminently contributed 
to this, were the superior discipline of the assail- 
ants, and the want of early intelligence of their 
movements. There was not a single corps of cav- 
alry in the American army. The transmission o£ 
inteUigence was of course always slow, and often 
impracticable. From the want of it, some^of their 
detachments, while retreating before one portion 
of the enemy, were advancing toward another, qf 
whose movements they were ignorant. 

In the height of the engagement Washington 
passed over to Long Island, and with infinite re- 
gret saw the slaughter of his best troops, but had 
not the power to prevent it ; for had he drawn 
his whole force to their support, he must have 
risked every thing on a single engagement. He 
adopted the wiser plan of evacuating the island, 
with ill the forces he could bring oft'. In superin- 
tending this necessary, but difficult and dangerouy 
movrtnent, and the events of the preceding day, 
Washington was indefatigable. For forty eight 
hours he never closed his eyes, and was ahuost 
constantly on horseback. In less than thirteen 
hours, the fieid artillery, tents, baggage, and about 
5* 



42 THE LIFE OF' 

nine thousand men, were conveyed from Long* 
Iskmd to the city of J«Jevv York, over East River, 
and without the knowledge of the British, though 
not six hundred yards distant. The darkness of 
the night and a heavy fog in the morning, together 
with a fair wind after midnight, favoured this re- 
treat. It was completed without interruption some 
time after the dawning of the day. 

The unsuccessful termination of the late action, 
led to consequences more seriously alarming to 
the Americans, than the loss of their men. Hith- 
erto they had had such confidence in themselves, 
as engaged in the cause of liberty and their coun- 
try, that it outweighed all their apprehensions from 
the exact discipline of the British troops ; but 
now finding that many of them had been encircled 
in inextricable difficulties from the superior mili- 
tary skill of their adversaries, they went to the op- 
posite extreme, and began to think but very in- 
diflerentiy of themselves and their leaders, when 
opposed to disciplined troops. As often as they 
saw the enemy approaching, they suspected a mil- 
itary manoeuvre, from whicn they supposed noth- 
ing could save them but immt-diate flight. Ap- 
prehensions of this kind migiit naturalh be ex- 
pected from citizen soldiers, lately taken from ag- 
ricultural pursuits, who expected to lay aside the 
military character at the end of the current year. 
Washington, tren^blingly alive to the state of his 
armv, wrote tf» Congress on the sixth day after 
the deteat od Long Island, as follows ; " Our sit- 
uaTion is truly distressing. The check our de- 
tachment lately sustained lias dispirited too great 
a proportion of our troops, and filled their uiiads 



triiORGE WASHIXG'ION". 43 

with apprehension and despair. The militia, in- 
stead of caning' forth their utniost efforts to it brave 
and manly opposition, in order to repair our losses, 
are dismayed, intractable, and impatient to return. 
Great numbers of them have t^one off; in some 
instances, almost by whole regiments, in nuny by 
half ones, and by companies at a time. This cir- 
cumstance of itself, independent of others, vvhen 
fronted by a well appointed enemy, superior in 
number to our whole collected force, would be 
sutlicientl}' disagreeable ; but when it is added, 
that their example has infected another part of the 
army ; that their want of discipline and refusal of 
almost every kind of restraint and government, 
have rendered a like conduct but too common in 
the whole, and have produced an entire disregard 
of that order and subordination whu h is necessa- 
ry for an army, our condition is still njore alarm- 
ing ; and with the deepest concern I am obliged 
to confess my want of confidence in the gene rali- 
ty of ihe troops. All these circumstances fully 
confirm the opinion I ever entertained, and which 
I more than once in my letters took the liberty of 
mtntio!)ing to Congress, that no dependence could 
be put in a niihtia, or other trooj)s -than those in- 
listed and embodied for a longer period than our 
regulations have hitherto prescribed. I am fully 
convinced that our liberties mubt of necessity be 
greaily hazarded, if not entirely lost, if their de- 
fence be left to any but a permanent army. 

" Nor would the expense incident to the sup- 
port of such a body of troops as would be compe- 
tent to every v^xigency, far exceed that which is 
incurred by calling in daily succours and new in- 



44 TllK LJFE OF 

listments, which, when effected, are not attended 
with any t^ood consequences. Men who have 
been free and subject to no control, cannot be re- 
duced to order in an instant ; and the privileges 
and exemptions they claim, and will have, influ- 
ence the coi(duct of others in such a manner, that 
the aid derived from them is nearly counterbalanc- 
ed by the disorder, irregularity, and confusion 
thev occasion." 

In fouiteen days after this serious remonstrance, 
Congress resolved to raise eighty eight battalions 
to serve (juring the war. Under these circum- 
stances, to wear away the campaign with as little 
loss as possible, so as to gain time to raise a per- 
manent army against the next year, was to the 
Anu-ricans an oi)]ect of the greatest importance. 

Gen. Washington, after much deliberation, de- 
termined on a war of posts Recent events eon- 
firmed him in the policy of defending his country 
bv retreaiing, when he could no longer stand his 
ground wivliout risking his army. He well knew 
that by adoptmg it he would subject himself to the 
impuT.-.Tion of wanting energy ar*d decision ; but 
\v\ih him the love of country was paramount to all 
other considerations. 

In conformity to these principles, the evacua- 
tion of New York was about th;s time resolved 
upon, whensoexer it could no longer be maintain- 
ed without risking the army. Arrangements 
weie accordingly made for a temporary defence, 
aid an ultimate retreat when neces.sity required. 
'l\'H. British, now in jjossession of Long Island, 
couid at pleasure pass over to York Island oi the 
main. Washington was apprehensive thiit they 



GEOliGR WASHINGTON. 



45 



Would land above him, cut off" his retreat, and force 
him to a general action on York Island. He there- 
fore moved his public stores to Dobbs' ferry, and 
stationed twelve thousand men at the northern end 
of York Island. With the remainder he kept up 
the semblance of defending New York, though he 
had determined, to abandon it, rather than risk his 
army for its preservation. 

While Washington was making arrangements 
to save his troops and stores by evacuating and re- 
treating, the British commander was prosecuting 
his favourite scheme of forcing the Aaiericans to 
a general action, or breaking the communication 
between their posts. With this view he landed 
-about four thousand men at Kipp's Bay, three miles 
above New York, under cover of five men of war. 
Works had been thrown up at this place, which 
were capable of being defended for some time, ii nd 
troops were stationed in them for that purpose ; 
but they fled with precipitation without waiting 
for the approach of the enemy. Two brigades 
were put in motion to support them. Gen. Wash- 
ington rode to the scene of action, and to his great 
mortification met the whole party retreating. While 
he was exerting himself to rally them, on the ap- 
pearance of a small corps of the enemy, the}^ again 
broke, and ran off in disorder. Such dastardly 
conduct raised a tempest in the usually trancjuil 
mind of Gen. Washington. Having embarked in 
the American cause from the purest principles, he 
viewed with infinite concern this shameful behav- 
iour, as threatening ruin to his country. He recol- 
lected the many declarations of Congress, of the ar- 
my, and of the inhabitants, preferring liberty tolife^ 



46 THE LIFE OF 

and death to dishonour, and contrasted them with 
their present scandalous flight. His soul vahs har- 
rowed up with apprehensions that his country- 
would be conquered, her army disgraced, and her 
liberties destroyed. He anticij)ated, in imagina- 
tion, that the Americans would appear to posteri- 
ty in the light of high sounding boasters, who blus- 
tered when dinger was at a distance, but shrunk 
at the shadow of opposition. Extensive confisca- 
tions, and numerous attainders, presented them- 
selves in full view to his agitated mind. He saw 
in imcigination new formed states, with the means 
of defence in their hands, and the glorious pros- 
pects of liberty before them, levelled to the dust ; 
ai^.d such constitutions imposed on them, as were 
likely to crush the vigour of the human mind ; 
while the unsuccessful issue of the present strug- 
gle would, for ages to conie, deter posterity from 
the bold design of asserting their rights. Im- 
piessed with these ideas, he hazarded his person 
for some considerable tiuie in rear of his own men, 
and in front of the en.emy, with his horse's head 
toward the latter, as if in ex!)ectation that, by an 
honourable death, he might escape the infamy he 
dreaded from the dastardly conduct of troo])s on 
whom he could place no dependence. His nids, 
and the confidential friends around his person, by 
indirect violence, compelled him to retire. In 
consequence of their address and importunity, a 
life uas saved for public service, which, other- 
wise, from a sense of honour and a gust of pas- 
sion, seemed to be devoted to almost certain de-, 
struction. 



GEORGE VVASillNGTON. 47 

The shameful events of this day, hastened the 
evacuation of New York. This was effected with 
very Httle loss of men, but all the heavy artillery 
and a large portion of the baggage, provisions, 
mil.'tary stores, and particularly the tents, were 
unavoidably left behind. The loss of the last 
mentioned article was severely felt in that season, 
when cold weather was rapidly approaching. 

Tlie British having got possession of the city 
of New York, advanced in front of it, and stretch- 
ed their encampments across York Island ; while 
their shipping defended their flanks. Washington 
had made his strongest post at Kingsbridge, as 
that preserved his communication with the coun- 
try. In front of this, and near to the British, he 
had a strong detachnicnt posted in an intrenched 
camp. This position of the two armies was par- 
ticularly agreeable to him ; for he wished to ac- 
custom his raw troops to fiice their enemies, hop- 
ing that by frequent skirmishes they would grow 
so familiar with the dangers incident to war, as to 
ft ar them less. Opportunities of making the ex- 
periment soon occurred. On the day after the 
retreat from New York, a skirmish. took place be- 
tween an advanced detachment of the B: iiibh army 
and some American troops, connnandtd b\ Col. 
Knowlton, of Connecticut, and Major Leilch, of 
Virginia. Both these oilicers fell, braveh fighting 
at the head of their troops. The captains with 
their men k(. pt ihe ground, and fairly beat their 
adversaries from the field. This was the first ad- 
vantage the army under the comma; id of Wash- 
ington had gaiiicd in the campaign, h^ hiihiCiice 
on the army was great. I'o increase its effects. 



48 ■ THE LIFE OF 

the parole the next clay was " Leitch," and the 
General gave puI^Hc thanks to the troops enij;aged 
therein. He contrasted their conduct with the 
laie shaiTietul flight of the troops from the works 
on Kipp's Bay, and observed, " 'Fliat the result 
proved what might be done, where officers and 
men exerted themselves;" and again called on all 
" so to act as not to disgrace the noble cause in 
which they were engaged." 

General Howe continued to prosecute his scheme 
for cutting off Washington's conmiunication with 
the eastern states, and enclosing liini so as co com- 
pel a general engagement. With this view the 
royal army landed on Frog's Neck, in West Ches- 
ter county, and soon after advanced to New Ro- 
chelle, and made sundry successive movements, 
all calculated to effect this purpose. A few skir- 
mishes took place, but a general action was care- 
fully avoided by Washington, except in one case 
m which he had such a manifest advantage from 
his position on hills near the White Plains, that 
Gen. Howe declined it. The project of getting 
in the rear of the American army was in like man- 
ner frustrated by frequent and judicious changes 
of its position. Gen. Howe failing in his first de- 
sign, adopted a new plan of o]>erations. His eiTorts 
were henceforward direct:;d to an invasion of New 
Jersey. Washington, penetrating his designs, cross- 
ed the North River. He wrote to William Liv- 
ingston, governor of New Jersey, urging hiin to 
put the militia of that State in the best state of 
piCj)aration to defend their country, and also rec- 
ommending the removal of stock and provisions 
from die sea coast. About this time Fort Wash- 



REORGE WASIMXCTOX. 



45 



inj^ton was taken by storm, and the garrison, con- 
sisting- of more than two thousand men, with their 
commander, Col. Magaw, surrendered prisoners 
of war. This was the only post held by the Amer- 
icans on York Island; and was an exception to 
the general plan of evacuating and retreating. 
Hopes had been indulged that it might be defend- 
ed, and in conjunction with Fort Lee, on the op- 
posite Jersey shore, made useful in embarrassing; 
the passage of British vessels up and down the 
North River. This post having fallen, ordeis for 
the evacuation of Fort Lee were immediately giv- 
en ; but before the stores could be removed, Lord 
Cornwallis crossed the North River with six thou- 
sand men. Washington retreating before him, 
took post along the H.ickensack. His situation 
there was nearly similar to that which he had aban- 
doned ; for he was liable to be enclosed between the 
Hackensack and the Pasaic rivers. He therefore, 
on the approach of tlie enemy, passed over to New- 
ark. He stood his ground there for some days^ 
as if determined on resistance; but lacing incapa- 
ble of any effectual opposition, retreated to Bruns- 
wick, on the da\ Lord Cornwallis entered Newark. 
At Brunswick Washmgton kept his troops in mo- 
tion, and even advanced a small detachment, as if 
intending to engage the enemy. Nor did he quit 
this position till their advanced guards were in 
sight. Lord Srirling was left at Princeton wirh 
twelve hundred men, to watch the British ; and 
Washington proceeded with the residue to Tren- 
ton. There he meant to make a stand O ders 
were previousl) given to collect aiid guard all the 
boats for seventy miles on the Delaware. The 
6 



50 > llli: LIFE OP 

ba£^ga(^e and stores were also passed over. These 
being seeiired, Washington detached twelve hun- 
dred men to Princeton, lo keep up the apj^tarance 
of opposition, aiid soon iollowed with about two 
thousand militia men who had recently joined him. 
Before he reached Princeton, iiiteliigence was re- 
ceived that Lord Cornwallis, stroni>;ly reinforced, 
was advancing from Brunswick in difilrent diicc- 
tior.s, with the apparent design of getting in his 
rear. An immediate retreat over the Delaware 
became " necessary. This v/as efiected on the 
8ih. of December. W ashington secured all his 
boats on the Pennsylvania side ; broke down the 
bridges on roads leading to the oppo^5itc shores, 
and posted his troops at the differeiU Ion-ding places. 
So keen was the pursuit, that as the rear gu.ird 
cf the retreaiing army eni'oarked, the van of the 
cnc-niy came in sight. The Biitish having driven 
the American army out of Jersey, posted them- 
selves up and down the Delaware, and small par- 
ties passed and repassed from one to the other, 
without uny interruption, 'i'hey made some at- 
tenipts to get boats, but f tiled, 'i'hey also repair- 
ed some of the bridges tlvit h:\d been recently de- 
stroyed, and pushed forward a s^rong detachment 
to liordenton. 'I'iiis was intended to increase their 
chances for crossing, and toembarrass Washington, 
who could not tell from which of their several po 
sifions they wou'd make the attempt. Gen. Put- 
nam was in the mean time sent on to superintend 
the erection of lines of defence from the Scluiylkill 
to the Delaware, for the security of Philadelphia. 
Small redoubts were hastily throw n up to guard 
the fording places ; p.nd Germaaiown was fixed 



r.EORGE WASIilM.TOK. 



5X 



upon as a place of rendezvous, in case the British 
should cross and drive the Americans tVom their 
extended encampments on the Delaware. This 
retreat through the Jerseys was attended with al- 
most every circumstance that could occasion em- 
barrassment or dej)ression. Washington was 
pressed with diiiicullics on all sides. In casting 
his eyes around, he could not promise hiniself ad- 
equate support from any quarter. His gloomy 
prospects were not brightened by any expectations, 
on the fuHilment of which he could depend. Dis- 
trusting, but not despiiii ing, he asked Col. Reed, 
" Should we retreat to the back {>arts of Pennsyl- 
vania, will the Pennsylvanians support us ?" The 
Colonel answered, '*If the lower couniies are sub- 
dued and give up, the back counties will do the 
same." Wasliington nobly replied, " We must 
retire to Augusta county, in Virginia. Numbers 
will be obliged to repair to us for safety, and vre 
must try what we can do, in carrying on a preda- 
tory war ; and if overpowered, we must ci'oss the 
Alleghany mountains." Gen. Washington had 
no cavalry but a small corps of b.idly mounted 
Connecticut militia, and was almost equally desti- 
tute of artillery, while conducting this rttieat. It 
commenced in a few days after the reduction of 
Fort Washington, in which the ilower of the 
American army were m.ade prisoners of war. A 
great part of the retreating troops consisted of 
those who had garrisoned Fort Lee, These had 
been compelled to abandon their post so sudden- 
ly, that they left behind them their tents, blankets, 
and cooking utensils. In this situation they re- 
treated, badly armed, worse clad, and in many 



52 '• TflP, LIFf! 01' 

instances barefooted, in the cold months of" No- 
veniber and December, through a desponding 
country, more disposed to seek safety by submis- 
sion than resistance. Under all these disadvai>- 
ta^es, they performed a march of about ninety 
miles, and had the address to prolong it to a space 
®f nineteen days, that as much time as possible 
miglit be gained for expected reinforcements to 
arri\'e. As they retreated through the country, 
scarcely one of the inhabitants joined them ; while 
numbers daily flocked to the. British army, and 
took the benefit of a royal proclamation issued at 
this critical time, for pardoning all who, within six- 
ty days, would return to the condition of British 
subjects. 

The small force wluch began this retreat was 
daily lessening, by the expiration of the term of 
service for which they were engaged. This ter- 
minated in November with many, and. in Decem- 
ber with nearly two thirds of the residue. No 
persuasions were availing to induce their continu- 
ance. They abandoned their General, when the 
advancing enemy was nearly in sight. The Penn- 
sylvania militia was engaged to the first day of 
January, but they deserted in such numbers that 
it became necessary to place guards at the ferries 
to stop them. Two regiments had been ordered 
from Ticonderoga to join Gen. Washington, but 
their term of service expired on the first of De- 
cember. They refused to reinlist, and went off, 
:o a man. Gen. Lee, who commanded the east- 
ern troops, was repeatedly ordered by Washing- 
ton to cross the North River, and join the retreat- 
ing army ; but these orders were not obeyed.. 



GEOUC.I^ WASIIIXGTON. 



53 



While at a disiancc both from his troops and the 
enemy, he was surprised and taken pi isoner b}' the 
British. This begat suspicions, tliat, despairing 
of the suceess of tlie Amerieans, l»c had ehosen to 
abandon their service. Though these apj)rehea- 
sions were without foundation, they produced the 
same misciiievous effecis on the minds of the peo- 
ple as if they were realities. About the same 
time Congress thought it expedient to leave Phi- 
ladelphia and retire to Baltimore. 

Under all these trying circumstances, Washing- 
ton was undismayed. He did not despair of the 
public safety. With unconciuerable firmness and 
the most perfect self possession, he was always the 
same, and constantly showed himself to his army 
with a serene and undisturbed countenance. Noth- 
ing was omitted by him that could embarrass the 
enemy, or animate his army and country. He 
forcibly pointed out to Congi ess the defective con., 
stitution of their army, Without cavalry, without 
artilleiy and engineers ; and enlarged upon the 
impolicy of short inlistments, and placing confi. 
dence in militia suddenly called out and frequent- 
ly changed. He urged these matters with great 
warmth ; but to prevent offence, added, " A char- 
acter to lose ; an estate to forteit ; tlie inesiim i- 
bie blessing of liberty at stake ; and a life devoted,^'' 
must be my excuse." He also hinted at the pro- 
priety of enlarging his powers so as to enable him 
to act in cases of urgency. Without applijalioa to 
Congress ; but apologized for this liberi. by de- 
claring, " that he felt no lust of povver, and wish- 
ed with the greatest fervency tor an opporai lity of 
turning the sword into a pioughbharc ;" but add^ 



S'A^ ■ Tiiv. Lire of 

cd, " his feelings as an officer and a man had beeFa 
such as to force him to say, that no person ever 
h:id a greater choice of diilicuities to contend with 
than himself." 

In this very dangerous crisis, Washington 
made every exertion to procure reinforcements to 
supply the place of those who were daily leaving 
him. He sent Generals Mifflin iuid Armstrong 
to rouse the citizens of Pennsylvania. Col. Reed 
was despatched to Governor Livingston, to urge 
on him the necessity of calling out the Jersey mi- 
litia. These exertions were in a great measure 
imavailirig, except m and near the city of Phila- 
delphia. Fifteen hundred of the citizens of that 
metropolis associated together, and marched to 
the aid of V/asliinrrton. Thoui^^h most of these 

o o ^ 

Were accustomed to the habits of a city life, they 
slept in tep.ts, barns, and sometimes \n the open 
air, during the cold months of December and Jan- 
uary. 

On the ccipture of Gen. Lee, the command of 
his army devolved on Gen. Sullivan, who, in obe- 
tlience to the ordeis formerly givcji, joined Gen. 
Washington. About the 5ame time an addition 
was made to his force by tlie arrival of a part of 
the northern army. The Americans now amount- 
^1 to about seven thousand men, though during 
the retreat through the Jerseys, they were seldom 
equal to half that number. The two armies were 
separated from each otlier by the river Delaware. 
The British, in the security of conquest, canton- 
ed their troops in Burlington, Bordenton, Trenton, 
and other towns of New Jersey, m didly expecia- 
Hon ©f being enabled to cross into Pennsylvania 



GKORGR WASHlXaTOiV. 



SS 



by means of ice, whicli is generally formed about 
that time. On receivaicr jiiformation of their num- 
bers and different cantonments, Washington ob- 
served, " Now is the time to chp then' wings, 
when they are so spread," Yielding to his native 
spirit of enten>rise which had hitherto been re- 
pressed, he formed the bold design of recrossing 
the Delaware, and attacking the British posts on 
its eastern banks. 

In the evening of Christmas day he made ar- 
rangements for passing over in three divisions ; at 
M'Konkey's ferry, at Trenton, and at or near Bor- 
denton. The troops which WGrc .to have crossed 
at the two I -.t places exerted then^selves to get 
over, but fcdied from the quantity of ice which ob- 
structed their passage. The main body, about 
two thousand four hundred men, began to cross 
very early in die evening ; but were so retarded by 
ice that it was nearly four o'clock in the morning 
before the}' were in r. condition to take up their 
line of march on the Jersey side. They were 
formed in two divisions. One was ordered to pro- 
ceed on the lower or river road ; the other on the 
upper or Penisington road. These having nearly 
the same distance to march, were ordered i.nme- 
diatelv on forchig the out guards, to jnish directly 
into Trenton, that they might charge the enemy 
before they had time to form. Though they 
marched different roads, yet they arrived within 
three minutes of each other. The out guards of 
tile Hessian troops at Trenton soon fell back ; but 
kept up a constant retreating fire. Their main 
body being hard pressed by the Americans, who 
hud ail Cad) got possession of half their aitillery, 



56 ■ THE LTFK 01'^ 

attempted to file oft' by a road leadint^ to\v;ird 
l^rinceton, but were checked by a body of troojiS 
thrown in their way. Finding they were surround- 
ed, they laid down th(.ir arms. The number which 
submitted was twenty three officers and eij^ht hun- 
dred and e:iijhty six men. Between thirty and for- 
ty of the Hessians werekilitd aid wounded. Col. 
Rahl was among the former, and seven of his offi- 
cers among the latter. Captiiin Washington, of 
the Virginia troops, and five or six of the Ameri- 
cans, were wounded. Two were killed, and two 
or three were iVozen to death. The detachment 
in Trenton consisted of the regiments of Rahl, Los- 
berg, ar.d Kp.ii)hausen, amounting in the whole to 
about fifteen lumdred men, and a troop of British 
light horse. Ail these were killed or captured, 
except about six hundred, who escaped by the road 
leadir.g to Bordenton. 

The Bi itish had a strong battalion of light infan- 
try at Princeton, and a force yet remaining near 
the Delaware, superior to the y\merican army. 
Washincrton, therefore, in the eveninu; of the same 
diy, thought it most prudent to cross into renn- 
syivania with his prisoners. These being secur- 
ed, he recrossed the Delaware, and took p(jsses. 
sion of Trenton. The detachments which had 
been distributed over New Jersey previous to the 
capture of the Hessians, immediately after that 
event assembled at Princeton, and were joined by 
the army fiom Brunswick under Lord Comwallis. 
Fiom this position they came forward to Trenton 
ill gieui force, hoping, by a vigorous onset, to re- 
pair the i. jury their cause had sustained bj' the 
late deieut. 



t-'Eoimr, w ASHiNcvrox. oi 

Truly delicate M^as the situation of the feeble 
American army. To retreat was to hazard the city 
©f Piiiladelphia, and to destroy every ray of hope 
which began to dawn iVom their late success. To 
risk an action with a superior force in front, and 
a river in rear, was dangerous in the extreme. 
To get round the advanced parly of the British, 
and, by pushing forwards, to attack in their rear, 
was deemed preferable to either. The British, on 
their advance from Princeton, attacked a body 
of Americans which were posted with four field 
pieces a little to the northward of Trenton, and 
compelled them to retreat. The pursuing British 
being checked at the bridge over vSanpink creek 
by some field pieces, fell back so far as to be out 
of their reach. The Americans were drawn up 
on the opposite side of the creek, and in that po- 
sition remained till night, canonading the enemy 
and receiving their fire. In this critical hoin*, two 
armies, on which the success or failure of the 
American revolution materially depended, were 
crowded into the small village of Trenton, and only 
separated by- a creek, in many places fordable. 

The British, believing they had all the advan- 
tages they could wish for, and tliat they could use 
thein when they pleased, discontinued all farther 
operations, and kept themselves m readiness to 
make the attack next morning. But the next 
mornii'.g pn:sented a scene as brilliant on the one 
side, as it was unexpected on the other. Soon' 
after it became daik, Washington ordered all his 
b':^i<gage to be silently removed, and having left 
gu irds for the purpose of deception, marched with 
his whole force by a circuitous route to Princeto^ii? 



58 THR LIFE OF 

This manoeuvre was determined upon in a council 
of war, from a conviction that it would avoid the 
appearance of a retreat, and at the same time the 
h..zard of an action in a bad position, and that it 
tvas the most likely way to preserve the city of 
Philadelphia from falling into the hands of the 
British. VVashinajton also presumed, that, from 
an eagerness to efface the impressions made by 
the late capture of the Hessians at Trenton, the 
British commanders had pushed forward their 
principal force ; and that the remainder in the rear 
at Princeton, was not more than equal to his own. 
The event verified this conjecture. The more 
'effectually to disguise the departure of the Amer- 
icans froiU Trenton, fires were lighted up in 
front of their camp. These not only gave an 
appearance of gomg to rest, but, as flame can- 
not be seen through, concealed from the British 
what was transacting behind them. In this rela- 
tive position they were a pillar of fire to the one 
army, and the pillar of a cloud to the other. Prov- 
idence favoured this movement of the Americans. 
The weather had been for some time so warm and 
moist that the ground was soft, and the roads so 
deep as to be scarcely passable ; but the wind 
suddenly changed to the northwest, and the ground 
in a short time was frozen so hard that when the 
America \s took up their line of march, they were 
no more retarded than if they had been upon a 
sold pavement. 

Wiishiiigton reached Princeton early in the morn- 
ing, and ^i'ouid have completely surprised the Brit- 
ish, had not a party which was oii their vva\ to 
Tientoa descried his troops when tiiey v»ere auout 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



59 



two miles distant, and sent back couriers to alarm 
their nnsuspcGting fellow soldiers in their rear. 
These eonsibtcd of the 17th. the 40th. and 55th. 
regiments of British infantry, and some of the roy- 
al artillery, with two fi. Id pieces, and three troops 
of light dragoons. The centre of the Americans, 
consisting of the Philadelphia militia, while on 
their line of march, was briskly charged by a par- 
ty of the British, and gave way in disorder. The 
moment was critical. Washington pushed for- 
ward, and placed himself between his own men 
and the British, with his horse's head fronting the 
latter. The Americans, encouraged by his exam- 
ple and exhortations, m<;de a stand, and returned 
the British fire. The General, though between 
bo'.h parties, was providentially uninjured by eith- 
er. A party of the British Hed into the college, 
and were there attacked with field j)ieces, \\h:ch 
were fired into it. The seat of the muses became 
for some tiine the scene of action. The party 
which h^id taken refuge in the college, after receiv- 
ing a few discharges from the American field 
pieces, ci'.me out and surrendered themselves pris- 
oners of war. In the course of the engagement 
sixty of the Brirish were killed, and a great num- 
ber wounded, and about three hundred of them 
taken prisoners. The rest made their escape, some 
by pushing on to Trenton ; others by retiu'ning 
to Bi unswick. 

Wiule they were fighting in Princeton, the Brit- 
isli in Trenton were under arms, and on the point 
of making an ..ssault on the evacuat«ed camp of the 
An.ericans. W'li h so mucii adchxss had the move- 
ment to Punctioii been conducted, that though 



60 - THE LIFE OF 

from the critical situation of the two armies every 
ear may be supposed to have been open, and every 
M^atchfulness to have been employed, yet Wash- 
ins^ton moved completely off the ground with his 
whole force, stores, baggage, and artillery, un- 
known to a!>d unsuspected by his adversaiies. 
The British in Trenton were so entirely deceived, 
that when they heard the repoit of the artillery at 
Princeton, though it was in the depth of winter, 
they supposed it to be tluuider. 

The iiritish, astonished at these bold movements 
of an enemy supposed to be vanquished, instant- 
ly fell b ick vvidi their vvliole force, and abandon- 
ed every post they held to the southward of New- 
Yoik, except Brunswick and Amboy. 



<iEORCiE WASHINGTON. 



61 



CHAPTER IV. 



CAMPAIGN OF i7T7. ^ 

Of die operations of General Washington in New Jersey nn^ Pennsyt- 

vaiiia, in the campaign of 1777 The bnttles of Brandy wine and Ger- 

manlown Washington is advised by the Rev. Jacob Ducht^, to give 

up the contest The distresses of the American army Its winter 

quarters in Valley Forge Gen. Washington is assailed by the clain- 

lours of discontented individuals and public bodies, and by the designs 
of a faction to supersede hira in hii office as commander in chief. 



Tiif; victories at Trenton and Princeton produced 
the most extensive eftects, and had a decided in- 
fluence on subsequent events. Philadelpliia was 
saved tor that vvmter. Jersey was recovered. 
The drooping spirits of the Americans were re- 
vived. I'he gloomy apprehensions which hud 
latt-ly prevailed, of tht ir being engaged in a hoj)e- 
less Cause, yielded to a confidence in ttieir Gener- 
al and their army, and in the uhimate success of 
their struggles for liberty and independence. So 
strong an iinpulse was given to the recruiting ser- 
vice in every part of the United States, as gave 
good ground to hope that die communderin chief 
would be enabled to take the lieid in the spring 
7 



'ioik , THE LIFE OF 

with a permanent regular army, on the new terms 
of inlibtnieut. 

Af»er the campaign had been thus carried into 
the month of January, Washington retired to Mor- 
ristovvn, that he might afford slicker to his suffer- 
ing army. His situation there w.is far from being 
ehgible. His force for some considerable time 
was trifling, when compared with tluit of the Brit- 
ish ; but the enemy and his own countrymen be- 
lieved the contrary. Their deception Wcis cherish- 
ed and artfully continued by the parade of a large 
army. Washington placed his officers in posi- 
tions of diiiiculr access, and they kept up a con- 
stant coniniuiiicalion wi h eaLJi otlicr. This se- 
cured them from irisutt and surprise. Wliile they 
covered the couiiiiy, ihey h.inissod the foraging 
parties of the iiriilsh, and coiu'inedthem to narrow 
limits. 

The remainder of tlie winter season passed over 
in a light war <:>[ skirmis'ies. These were gener- 
allv in favour of tiie Americans ; but Washing- 
ton's views were much more extensive. He loop- 
ed :h.;f h:,^ country, encouraged by the late sue- 
ceshCo .:^ Trenton and Pi inceton, would have plac- 
ed .A liis disposal a large and efficient army, e.jual 
to that of the enemy. To obtain it, he urged with 
great €aincstr:es:s the advantage of being enabled 
to undertake decisive operations before reinforce- 
ments to the r.iitish army should arrive. Con- 
gvess, a.t his i nsta r.ce, passed the requisite resolu- 
tions ; but these could not be carried into efiect 
without the aid of the state legislatures. The de- 
lays incident to this slow mode of doiiigbusin.ess, 
added to the recollection of the suffering of the 



CKORGE WASHINGTON. ^3' 

troops in the Inst campaign, retarded the recruit- 
ing service. Washington with infinite rehictance 
was obliged to give up his Hivourite project of an 
early active campaign. 

In the advance of the spring, when recruits were 
obtained, a ditiiculty arose in assembling them 
from the differerit states in which they had been 
inlistcd. As the British had possession of the 
ocean, they could at pleasure transfer the war to 
any maritime portion of the union. Each state, 
anxious for its particular safet}^, claimed protection 
from the common army of the whole. Had they 
been indulged, th.e feeble remnant under the inir 
mediate direction of the commander in chief, 
would have been unequal to any great enterprise, 
To these partial calls lie opposed ail his authority 
and influence, and his pointed representations made 
an impression in favour of primary objects. These 
were to prevent the British from getting possession 
of Philadelphia, or the Highlan.ds on the Hudson. 
Both were of so nearly equal importance to their 
interest, that it was impossible to ascertain which 
should be preferred by Sir William Hone. In 
this uncertainty, Washington made such aii ar- 
rangement of his troops as would enable him to 
oppose either. The northern troops were divided 
between Ticonderoga and Peekskill ; while those 
from Jersey and the south were encamped at Mid- 
dlebrook, near the Rariton. The American force 
collected at this strong and defensible encamp- 
ment, was nominally betvveen nine a.nd ten thous- 
and men ; but the effective rank and file was about 
six thousand. A majority of these were raw re- 



64 



TfiK Lin: OF- 



cruits ; and a considerable number of such as had 
been inlibted in the middle states were foreigners 
or servanis. To encourage the desertion of troops^ 
so slightly attaclicd to the American cause, Gen. 
Howe oflcred a reward to every soldier who would 
come over to his army, and an additional compen- 
sation to such as would biing their arms with 
them. To counteract these ]5ro]>ositions, Wash- 
ii!L;-ton recommended to Coiis^ress to i^rive full par* 
doii to all Americans who would relinquish the 
B;it;sh service. 

The ea'.ppaign opened early in June on the part 
of the Britisl), who advanced toward Philadelphia 
i\^j far as Somerset county, in New Jersey ; but 
they soon fell back to New^ Brunswick. After 
this retreat, Sir William Howe endeavoured to 
provoke Washing-ton to an engagement, and left 
110 manceuvre untried that was calculated to in- 
duce him to quit his position. At one time he 
apj)earcd as if he inten led to push on, without re- 
garding the army opposed to him. At another, 
Tie accurately examined the situation of the Amer- 
ican encampment ; hoping that some uriguarded 
part might be found on which an attack might be 
ir.ade that would open the way to a general en- 
gagement. All these Jiopes were frustrated, 
Vv^ishingtoa knew the full value of his situation. 
He had too much penetration to lose it from the 
circumvention of military manoeuvres, and too 
nuich temper to be provoked to a dereliction of it. 
He was well apprised it vv-as not the interest of 
his country to commit its fortune to a single ac- 
fion. 



GEOUGK WASlIINf.TOX. 



65 



Sir William Howe siiddenl) relinquished his 
position in front of the Americans, and retired with 
his whole force to Aniboy. The apparently re- 
treating British were pursued by a considerable 
detachment of the American army, and Washing- 
ton advanced from ]yiiddlei:>rook to Quibl)letown, 
to be near at hand for the support of his advanced 
parties. The British General immediately march- 
ed his army back from Amboy, with great expe- 
dition, hoping to !)ring on a general action on equal 
ground ; but he was disappointed. Washington 
fell back, and posted his army in such an advan- 
tageous situation as com[)ensated for the inferiority 
of his numbers. Sir Willi im Hoive was now ful- 
ly convinced of the impossibility of compelling a 
general engagement on equal terms, and also sat- 
isfied that it would be too hazardous to attem{)t 
passing the Delaware while the country was in 
arms, and the main American army in full fori:e in 
his rear. He therefore returned to Amboy, and 
thence passed ovei- to Staten Island, resolving to 
prosecute the objects of the campaign by an em- 
barkation of his whole force at New York. Dur- 
ing the period of the^e movements, the real de- 
signs of Gen. Howe Vvere involved in obseuritr. 
Though the season for military operations was ad- 
vanced as far as the month of July, yet his dtter- 
minate object could not be ascertained. Nothing 
on his part had hitherto taken place, but alternate- 
ly advancing and retreating. Washington's em- 
barrassment on this account was increased by in- 
telligence which arrived, that Burgoyne was ad- 
vancing in great force tou'ard New York Uom 
Canad:!. Apprcheiiding that Sir Williaiu Howe 
7* 



6$ , THE LTPE 0^ 

uoiild ultirr.atcly move up the North River, and 
that his ir»o\'ements wiiich looked southwardly 
were feints, the American chief detached a brig- 
ade to reinforce the northern division of his army. 
Successive advices of the advance of Buj goyne fa- 
voured the idea that a junction of the two royal 
armies, near Albany, was intended. Some move- 
ments were therefore made by Washington to- 
Wi'.rd Peekskiil, arid on the other side toward Tren- 
ton, while the main army was encamped near the 
Clove, in readiness to march either to the north or 
south, as the movements of Sir William Howe 
might require. 

After the British had left Sandy Hook, they 
looked into the Delav.-are, and suddenly again put 
out to sea, and vcre not heard of for near three 
weeks, except thut o:.ce or twice they had been 
seen near the cnasl steering southwardly. Charles- 
ton, in South Carolina, was su})posed to be their 
object at one tirnc ; at another, Philadelphia by 
the way of Chesapeak ; at another, the Highlands 
©f New York, to co-operate with Burgoyne. 

The perplexing uncertainty concerning the des- 
tination of the enemy which embarnissed the 
niovements of Washington, was not done away be- 
fore the middle of August, when certain accounts 
■fvere received that the British had taken posses- 
sion of the Chesapeak, and landed as near to Piii- 
iadelphia as w as practicable. While the object of 
the campaign was doubtful, every disposition vvivs 
made to defend ail the supposed probal)le points 
gF attack except Charleston. This being at the 
distance of seven or eight hundred miles, could 
Jiot be assisted by an army marching over land, iii 



GEOEGE AVASHlNfiTOX. 



«*r 



time to oppose the enemy conveyed thither by 
v/ater. While this idea prevailed, arrani^ements 
were made to empl(W the American army either 
against the enemy advancing from Albany, or 
against the Biitish posts in New York, with the 
hope of making reparation for the expected loss 
of Charleston. As soon as the ani\ai of the Brit- 
ish in the Chesapeak was known, Washington or- 
dered the different divisions of his army to unite 
ti\ the neighbourhood of Philadelphia, towaul the 
head of Elk ; and the militia of Pennsylvania, 
Marylaixl, and the northern counties of Virgii;ia, 
to take the field. He had previotisiy written very 
pressing letters to the Goxernors of the eastern 
states, and to the (»enerals in the western parts of 
these states, to strengthen the northern army op- 
posed to Burgoyne ; and even weakened himself 
by detaching some of his best troops, particularly 
Morgan's riflemen, on that important service. In 
the spirit of true patriotism, he diminished his 
own chances of acquiring fame, that the common 
cause might be most effectually ])romoted by the 
best disposition of the forces under his conmiaiid, 
for simultaneous opposition to both Howe and 
Eurgoyne. 

Washington passed his army with every appear- 
ance of confidence through the city of Philadel- 
phia, with a view of making some impression on 
the disaffected of that eit}', and afterward proceed- 
ed toward the head of Elk. About the same time 
he directed Gen. Smailwood, with the militia of 
Maryland and Delaware, and some continental 
troops, .to hang on the rear of the enemy. As a 
substitute for Morgan's riflemen, Gen. Maxwell 



OS 



THE LIFF: of 



was furnished with a corps of light infintry, 
aniounliiii^ lo one tlioiisaud men, and directed to 
annoy the British on their march through the 
country. Tiicse troops were afterward reinforced 
with Gen. Wayne's division. Though the mili- 
tia did not turn out with that alacrity which might 
have bten expected from the energetic calls of 
Washington, yet a respectable force was assem- 
bled, whch imposed on Sir William Howe a ne- 
cessity of proceeding widi caution. The ro} al ar- 
my set out from the eastern heads of the Chesa- 
peak on the third of Sei)tember, with a spirit which 
promised to compensate for the various delays 
which had hitherto wasted the campaign. They 
advanced with great circumspection and boldness 
till they were within two miles of the American 
army, which was then posted in the Aicinity of 
New Port. Washington soon changed his ground, 
and took post on the high ground near Chadd's 
Fort, on the Brandywine creek, with an intention 
of disputing the passage. It was the wish, but by 
no means the interest, of the Americans, to try 
thtir strength in an engagement. Their regular 
troops were not only inferior in discipline, but in 
numbers, to the royal army. The opinion of the 
inhabitants, diough founded on no circumstances 
more substantial than their Wishes, imposed a spe- 
cies of necessity on the American Genciid to keep 
his army in front ol" the enemy, and to risk an ac- 
tion for the security of I'h'.hidelphia. Instead of 
diis, had he taken the ridge of high mountains ou 
his right, the British must have lespectcd his num- 
bers, and pf-ob>il)lv would liave followed 'hini up 
the country. In this uiaiiiier tlie campaign might 



GF.Onn;-. V/ASIIINGTON, 69 

have been wasted away in a manner fatal to the 
invMclers ; but the bulk of the American people 
were so impatient of delays, and had such an over- 
weening conceit of the numbers and prowess of 
their army, that they could not comprehend the 
wisdom and policy of manoeuvres to shun a gen- 
eral eng'.gement. 

0\i this occasion necessity dictated that a sacri^ 
fi :e should be made on the altar of pul)!ic opinion. 
A general action was therefore hazarded. This 
took place at Chadd's Fort, on the Brandy wine, a 
small stream which empties itself into Christiana 
creek, near its conflux with the river Delaware. 

The royal army advanced at day break in two 
colunms, commanded by Lieutenant General 
Kniphausen and Lord Cornwailis. They first took 
the direct road to Chadd s Ford, and made a show 
of passing it, in front of the nuiin body of the 
Americans. At the same time the other column 
moved up on the west side of the Brandy wine to 
its fork, and crossed both its branches, and thvn 
marched down on the east side thereof, with the 
view of turning the right wing of their adversa- 
ries. 

This they effected, and comixillcd them to re- 
treat widi great loss. Gen. Kniphausen amused 
the Americans with the ajijiearance of crossing the 
Ford, but did not attempt it until Lord Cornw ;1- 
lis, having crossed above and moved down on the 
opposite side, had commenced his attack. Kiiip- 
hausen then crossed the Ford arid attacked the 
troops posied for its dtfc'nce. These, after a se- 
vere coiifiict, wtre comjK'lled to give way. The 
retreat of the Aiiiei icans soon became general, and 



70 



THE UFK OF 



was continued to Chester. Their loss was abouv 
nine hundred, and considerably exceeded that ol 
the British. The final issue of battles often de- 
pends on small circumstances, which human pru- 
dence cannot control. One of these occurred 
liere, and prevented Gen. Washnigton from exe- 
cuting a bold design, to effect which his troops 
were actually in motion. This was to cross tlic 
Brandy wine, and attack Kniphausen, while Gen. 
Sullivan and Lord Stirling should keep Earl Corn- 
wallis in check. In the most critical moment 
Washington received intelligence which he was 
obliged to credit, that the c(ilumn of Lord Corn- 
waliis had been oiily making a feint, and was re- 
turning to join Kniphausen. This prevented the 
execution of a plan, which, if carried into effect, 
would probably have given a different turn to the 
events of the day. 

Washington made every exertion to repair the 
loss which hud been sustained. The battle of 
Brandy wine was represented as not being decisive. 
Congress and the people wished to hazard a sec- 
ond eiigagetnent, for the security of Philadelphia. 
Howe sought for it, and Washington did not de- 
cline it. He therefore advanced as farastlie War- 
ren tavern, on the Lancaster road, with an inten- 
tion of meeting his adversary. Near that place 
both armies were on the point of engaging with 
their whole force ; but were prevented by a most 
violent storm of rain, which continued for a whole 
d. y and night. When the rain ceased, the Amer- 
icans ft)uiid that their ammuiiition was entinly ru- 
ined. They therefore wiiiidrew to a place of safe- 
ty. Before a proper supply was procured, tlie 



GEORGE W VSniXGTON-. 71 

British marched from their position ncnr the Wliite 
Horse tavern, down tovviud the Swedes Ford. 
The Americans again took post in th^-ir front, but 
the British, instead )t urgivig an ac'.ioii, begaii to 
march up toward l<eadii)i^. To save t!\e stores 
which hid been dcpojittd l^^ th d pl.ice, Wa-ihiug- 
toii tO!jk a new po.',.Uoii, and left the Btitibhin un- 
disiarbed possesr^ion of the roads w-acn Uad to 
Philadeh^ihia. His troops vvese worn down witli a 
succession (jf severe duties. There were in his 
army above a thousand men who we?-e barefooted, 
and who had performed all their late movements 
in that eondiiion. 

Though Washington had fa" led in his object of 
saving Philadelphia, yet he retained the confidi nee 
of Congress and the States. With an ami) infe- 
rior in numbers, discipline, and eqnij)inents, he 
delayed the BritisJi artny thirty days ia advancing 
sixty miles through an open country, Vv'idiout for- 
tilivUitions, and the waters of wmich were every 
where fordable. Though defeated in one general 
action, he kept together his undisciplined and un- 
provided ainiy, and m less th.m a week offered 
l)at'.le to his successful adversary. When tliis 
wjs pre\en-.ed by a storm of raai which ruined his 
a(:i-.iiir. siiiop., uhiic many of his soldiers were with- 
Oiir. bayonets, he extricated thenj Irom the most 
iuisninent danger, and maintained a respectable 
siandiag. Instead of imaiedtately retiruig into 
winter quarters, b.e approached the enemy and en- 
camped on the Skippack road. The British ar- 
; my took their stand m Pliiladelp^hia and German- 
town, shortly after the battle of Brandy wine. From 
these positions, especially the last, considerable 



72 THE LIFE OF 

detachments were sent to Chester and the vicini- 
ty, to favour an attempt tcj open the navigaiioii of 
the river Delaware, which h:id !)een obsiructed 
with great ingenuity and industry by the Atneri- 
cans. 

About the same time the American army re- 
ceived a reinforcement of two thousand five hun- 
dred men, which increased its eifective force to 
eleven thousand. 

General Washinjjjton conceived that the present 
moment fui nished a lair opportunity for enterprise. 
He therefore resolved to attack the British in Ger- 
mantovvn. Their line of encampment crossed that 
village at right r:iigles ; the left wing extending on 
the west to the Schuyllvill. That wiisg was cov- 
ered in front aiul flank by the German chasseurs. 
A battalion of light infantry, and the queen's 
American rar.gers, were in front of the nghi. The 
40'. h. regiment, with another battalion of infantiy, 1 
was posted at the head of tlse village. The Amer. | 
icitns moved from their encampment on theSkip- 
p...ck road in the evening of the third of October, 
with the intention of surprising their adversaries 
early next morning, and to attack both wings in 
front and rear at the same time, so as to prevent 
th<- several parts from supporting each other. The 
divisions of Greene and Stevens, Ikuiked by M'Dou- m 
gaTs br.gade, were to enter by the lime kilii road. 1 
The militia of Mar) I, nd and Jersey, under Gen- 
erals Siualhvood and Furman, were to march by . 
the old York road, and to fall upon the rear of 1 
their right. ^ 

Lord Stirling, with Nashe's and Maxwell's brig- 
ade, were to form a corps de reserve. The Amer 



GF>t)HC;E WASHINGTON. 73 

icans began their attack about sunrise, on the 40th. 
regiment and a battahon of Hght infantry. These 
being oijliged to retreat, were pursued into the 
village. On their retreat, Lieut. Col. Musgrove, 
with six companies, took post in Mr. Chew's 
strong stone house, which lay in front of the 
Americans. From an adherence to the military 
maxim of never leaving a fort possessed by an en- 
emy in the rear, it was resolved to attack the par- 
ty in the house. 

In the mean time Gen. Greene got up with his 
column, and attacked the right wing. Col. Ma- 
thews routed a party of the British opposed to him, 
killed several, and took one hundred and ten pris- 
oners ; but, from the darkness of the day, lost 
sight of the brigade to which he belonged, and 
having separated from it, was taken prisoner, with 
his whole regiment ; and the prisoners which he 
had previously taken were released. A numlDcr 
of the troops in Greene's division were stopped by 
the halt of the party before Chew's house. Near 
one half of the American army remained for some 
time at that place inactive. In the mean time 
Gen. Grey led on three battalions of the third brig- 
ade, and attacked with vigour. A sharp contest 
followed. Two British regiments attacked at the 
same time on the opposite side of the town. Gen- 
eral Grant moved up the 4.9th. regiment to the aid 
of those who were engaged with Greene's col- 
umn. 

The morning was foggy. This, by concealing 
the true situation of the parties, occasioned mis- 
takes, and made so much caution necessary as to 
give the British time to recover from the effects 
8 



74 ' THK LIFE OF 

of their first surprise. From these causes the ear- 
ly promising iippearances on the part of the assail- 
ants were speedily reversed. The Americans left 
the field hastily, and all efforts to rally them were 
ineffectual. \Vasliingion was obliged to relin- 
quish the victory he had thought within his grasp, 
and to turn his whole attention to the security of 
his army. A retreat about twenty miles to Per- 
kioming was made, with the loss of only one piece 
of artillery. In the engagement the loss of the 
Americans, including the wounded and lour hun- 
dred prisoners, was about eleven hundred. A 
considerable part of this was occasioned by the 
40th. regiment, which, from the doors and win- 
dows of Mr. Chew's huge stone house, kept up a 
constant fire on their uncovered adversaries. 

The plan of the battle of Germantown was ju- 
dicious, and its commencement well conducted ; 
but to ensure its successful execution, a steady co- 
operation of the several divisions of the assailants 
was necessary. The numerous enclosures to be 
passed, and the thickness of the fog, rendered this 
impossible; especially by troops who were imjxT- 
fectly disciplined, and without the advantages of 
experience. 

Congress voted their unanimous thanks " to 
General Washington for his wise and well concert- 
ed attack, and to the ofiicers and sol 'iers of the 
army, foi their brave exertions on that occasion ;" 
and added, " they were well satisfied that the best 
designs and boldest efforts may sometimes fail by 
unforeseen incidents." 

In the latter part of the campaign of 1777, in 
proportion as the loss of Philadelphia became 



GKOPvOK WASHINGTON. 75 

more probable, Washington took every precaution 
evcntiiallv to diniinit^h its value to the enemy. 
Orders were given for moving the mihtary stores 
and the vessels at the wharves of that city higher 
up the Delaware. From the time that the British 
got possession, every aid consistent with greater 
objects was given to the forts constructed on the 
Delaware for opposing the British in their attempts 
to open the navigation of that river. Troops were 
stationed on both sides of the Delaware to prevent 
the inhabitants froin going with their provisions 
to the market of Philadelphia, and to destroy small 
foraging parties sent out to obtain supplies for the 
royal army. These arrangements being made, 
'Washington advanced toward Philadelphia. His 
objects were to enfeeble the royal army in their 
operations agaitist the forts on the Delaware ; to 
attack them if circumstances favoured, and pre- 
vent their receiving supplies from the country. 
The British shortly after evacuated Germantown ; 
concentered their force at Philadelphia, and direct- 
ed their principal attention to the opening the nav- 
igation of the Delaware. This employed them 
for more than six weeks ; and after a great dis- 
play of gallantry on both sides, was finally accom- 
plished. 

In this discouraging state of public affairs, a 
long letter was addressed by the reverend Jacob 
Diiche, late chaplain of Congress, and a clergy- 
man of the first rank, for character, piety, and elo- 
quence, to Gen. Washington ; the purport of 
which was, to '/"ersuade him that farther resistance 
to Great Britain was hopeless, and would only in- 
crease the calamities of their common country'; 



76 



THE LIFE or 



and under this impression to urge him to make 
the best terms he could with the British command- 
er, and to give up the contest. Such a letter, at 
such a time, in unison with the known sentiments 
of mau}^ desponding citizens, from a person whose 
character and connexions placed him above all 
suspicion of treachery, and whose attachment to 
his native country, America, was unquestionablCj 
could not have failed to make an impression on 
minds of a feeble texture ; but from Washington, 
who never despaired of his country, the laboured 
epistle of the honest, but timid divine, received no 
farther notice than a verbal message to the writer 
thereof, " That if the contents of his letter had 
been known, it should have been returned unop- 
ened." 

While Sir AVilliam Howe was succeeding in 
every enterprise in Pennsylvania, intelligence ar- 
rived that Gen. Burgoyne and his whole army had 
surrendered prisoners of war to the Americans. 
Washington soon after received a considerable re- 
inforcement from the northern army, which had 
accomplished this great event. W^ith this increas- 
ed force he took a position at and near White- 
marsh. The royal army having succeeded in re- 
moving the obstructions in the river Delaware, 
were ready for ne^v enterprises. Sir William 
Howe marched out of Philadelphia, with almost 
his whole force, expecting to bring on a general 
engagement. The next morning he appeared on 
Chesnut hill, in front of, and al)out three miles 
distant from the right wing of the Americans. On 
the day following the British changed their ground, 
and moved to the right. Two days after they 



GF.OllGE WASinXOTOX. 77 

moved still farther to the right, and made every 
a]">pcanince of an intention to attack the American 
encampment. Some skirmishes took j)lace, and a 
general action was hourly expected ; but instead 
thereof, on the morning of the next day, after va- 
rious marches and countermarches, the Britisli fil- 
ed off from their right by two or three diifeient 
routes, in full march for Philadelphia. 

While the two armies were mar>oeuvring, in con- 
stant expectation of an immediate engitgernent, 
Washington rode through every brigade of his ar- 
my, and with a firm steady countenance gave or- 
ders in person how to receive the enen^y, and par- 
ticularly urged on his troops to place their chief 
dependence on the bayonet. His position, in a 
military pomt of view, was admirable. He was so 
sensible of the advantages of it, that the manoeu- 
vres of : ir William Howe for some days could 
not allure him from it. In consequence of the re- 
inforcement lately received, he had not in any pre- 
ceding period of the campaign been in an equal 
coiidition for a general engagement. Though he 
ardently wished to be attacked, yet he would not 
relinqu'sh a position from which he hoped for rep- 
aration for the adversities of the campaign. He 
could not believe that Gen. Howe, with a victori- 
ous army, and that lately reinforced with four 
thonsan.d men from New Yoik, should come out 
ot Philadelphia only to return thither again. He 
th( reibre presumed, that to avoid the disgract- of 
such a movement, the British commander would, 
fio^n a sense of military honour, be compelled to 
attack him, though under great disadvantigea. 
Wiien he found him cautious of engaging, and in- 
8* 



78 THE LIFE OF 

dining to his left, a daring design was formed, 
which would have been executed had the British 
either continued in their position, or moved a lit- 
tle farther to the left of the American army. This 
was to have attempted in the night to surprise 
Philadelphia. 

Three days after the retreat of the British, 
Washington communicated in general orders, his 
intention of retiring into winter quarters. He ex- 
pressed to his army high approbation of their past 
conduct ; gave an encouraging statement of the 
prospects of their country ; exhorted them to bear 
the hardships inseparable from their situation, and 
endeavoured to convince their judgments that these 
were necessary for the pu1:)lic good, and unavoid- 
able from the distressed situation of the new form- 
ed states. 

The same care to cut off all communication be- 
tween the enemy and the country was continued, 
and the same means employed to secure that ob- 
ject. Gen Smailwood was detached to Wilming- 
ton to guard the Delaware. Col. Morgan, who 
had lately returned from the victorious northern 
army, was placed on the lines on the west side of 
the Schuylkill ; and Gen. Armstrong near the old 
camp at the Whitemarsh, with a respectable force 
imder the command of each, to prevent the coun- 
try people from carrying provisions to the market 
in Philadelphia. 

Valley Forge, about twenty five miles distant 
from Philadelphia, was fixed upon for the winter 
quarters of the Americans. This position was 
preferred to distant and more comfortable villages, 
as being calculated to give the most extensive se- 



GEORGK WASHINGTON, 



79 



curity to the country. The American army might 
have been tracked by the blood of their feet in 
m-irching without shoes or stockings, over the 
hard frozen ground between Whitemarsh and the 
Valley Forge. Under these circumstances they 
had to sit down in a wood in the latter end of De- 
cember, and to build huts for their accommoda- 
tion. To a want of clothing was added a want 
of provisions. For some days there was little less 
than a famine in the camp. Wasiiington was com- 
pelled to make seizures for the support of his ar- 
my. Congress had authorized him so to.do ; but he' 
wished the civil authority to manage th.e delicate 
business of impressment, and regretted the meas- 
ure as subversive of discipline, and calculated to 
raise in the soldiers a disposition to licentiousness 
and plunder. To suffer his army to starve or dis- 
band, or to feed them by force, were rhe only alter- 
natives offered to his clioice. Thoup-h he exercis- 

o 

ed these extraordinary powers with equal reluc- 
tance and discretion, his lenity was virtually cen- 
sured by Congress, " as proceeding from a deli- 
cacy in exerting military authority on the citizens, 
which, in their opinion, niiglit prove prejudicial to 
the general liberties of Ainerica;" at the same 
time his rigour was condemned by those from 
whom provisions were forcii:)ly taken. The sound 
judgment and upright principi<is of the commander 
in chief gave a decided preference to the mode of 
supplying his army by fur contract, but the ne- 
cessities thereof proceeding tVom bad mjnagement 
in the commissary department ; the d^-preciation of 
the. Congress bills of credi; ; the selfishness of the 
farmers in preferring British metallic to American 



80 ' J'HE LIFE OP 

paper money, togetlier with the eagerness of Con- 
gress to starve the British army in Phihideiphia, 
contptlkd him to extort supphcs for h-s arnjy at 
the point of the buyonet. In ol:»tdience to Con- 
gress, he issued a proclamation, " calhng on the 
farmers within seventy miles of head qu uters to 
thresh out one half of their graii\ by the first of 
February, and the residue by the first of March, 
Under ihe penalty of having the whole seized as 
str-ivv." 

Great were the diPncuities Washington had to 
conteiid with for feediiig and clothing his army ; 
but they were not the only ones which at this time 
pressed on him. 7'he states oi" Pennsylvania and 
New Jersey were importunate with him to cover 
them from the incursions of tJie enemy. In both 
there wtje many discontented individuals, who, 
regretting their past losses and present danger 
from the vicinity of a conquering army, were so 
far misled by their feelirigs as to suppose it to be 
the f.iult of Gen. Washington, that the inferior 
destitute army under his immediate command had 
not been as successful as the superior well sup- 
ported northern army under Gen. < >ates. The 
legislature of Pennsylvania, probably sore from the 
loss of their capital, on hearing that Washington 
was about to retire into winter quarters, presented 
a remonstrance to Congress on that subject, in 
which their dissaiisfaction with the General was 
far from being concealed. A copy of this being 
sent to hini, he addressed Congress in terms very 
dificrent from his usual style. H • stated, "that 
though every thing in his power had bt^tn done 
for supporting his army, yet their inactivity, aris- 



GEORGE WASHING rON. 81 

ing from their manifold wants, was charged to his 
account ; that the army seldom had provisions for 
two days in advance ; that few of his men had 
more than one shirt, many only a moiety of one, 
and some none at all; that soap, vinegar, and 
such like articles, though allowed by Congress, had 
not been seen in camp for several weeks; that by 
a field return two thousand eight hundred and 
ninety eight of his army were unfit for duty, be- 
cause they were barefooted, and otherwise naked ; 
that his whole effective force in camp amounted to 
no more than eight thousand two hundred men fit 
for duty ; that notwithstanding these complicated 
wants, the remonstrance of the I'ennsylvania leg'sla- 
ture reprobated the measure of his going into winter 
quarters, as if its authors thought the soldiers were 
made of stocks or stones, and as if they conceived 
it easily practicable for an inferior army, circum- 
stanced as his was, to confine a superior one, well 
appointed and every way provided for a winter's 
campaign, within the city of Philadelphia, and to 
cover all the circumjacent country from their dep- 
redation." He assured the complainers, " that it 
was much easier to draw up remonstrances in a 
comfortable room by a good fire side, than to oc- 
cupy a cold bleak hill, and sleep under frost and 
snow, without clothes or blankets." 

To the other vexations which crowded on Gen. 
Washington at the close of the campaign of 1777, 
was added one of a peculiar nature. Though he 
was conscious he had never solicited, and that it 
was neither from motives of interest nor of ambi- 
tion he had accepted the command of the army, 
and that he huCi with clean hands and a pure heart,, 
to the utmost of his power, steadily pursued what 



82 



THE LIFE OF 



his best judgment informed him was for the inter- 
est of his country ; yet he received ccrtam in- 
formation that a cabai, consisting of some mem- 
bers of Congress, and a few General Officers of 
the army, was plotting to supersede hiiri in his 
command. The scheme was to obtain the sanc- 
tion of some of the state legislatures to instruct 
thc'.r delegates to move in Congress for an inquiry 
into the causes of the failures of the canipiiigus of 
1776 and l'^77, with the hope that some inten.pe- 
rate resolutions passed by them would either lead 
to the reii^oval of the General, or wound his mili- 
tary feelings so as to induce his resignation. Anony- 
mous papers containing i ugh charges agiinst him, 
and urging the necessity of putting some more en- 
ergetic officer at the hei-.d of the army, were sent 
to Henry Laurens, President of Congress, Patrick 
H(-nry, Governor of Virginia, and others. These 
were forwcadtd to Gen. Washington. In his re- 
ply to Mr. Laurens, he wrote as follows; " I can- 
not sufficiently express the obligation I feel to- 
ward you for your friendship and politeness, up- 
on an occasion in whicii I am so deeply interested. 
I was not unapprized that a malignant faction had 
been for some time forming to my prejudice, 
which, conscious as I am of having ever done all 
in my power to answer the important purposes of 
the trust reposed in me, could not but give me 
some pain on a personal account ; but my chief 
concern arises from an apprehension of the dan- 
gerous consequences which intestine dissensions 
may prove to the common cause. 

" As I have no oiher view than to promote the 
public good, and am unambitious of honours not 
founded in the approbation of my country, I wouUl 



GEORGE WASHINGTON 



»s 



not desire in the least degree to suppress a free 
spirit of inquiry into any part of my conduct, that 
even faction itself may deem reprehensible. The 
anonymous paper handed y«u exhibits many seri- 
ous charges, and it is my wish that it may be sub- 
mitted to Congress. This I am tlie more inclm- 
ed to, as the suppression or concealment xuny 
possibly involve you in embarrassments hereafter, 
since it is uncertain how many, or who may be 
privy to the contents. 

" My enemies take an ungenerous advantage 
of me. They know the delicacy of my situation, 
and that motives of policy deprive me of the de- 
fence I might otherwise make against their insidi- 
ous attacks. They know 1 cannot combat insinu- 
ations, however injinious, without disclosing se- 
crets it is of the utmost moment to conceal. But 
why should I expect to be exempt from censure, 
the unfailing lot of an elevated station ? Merit and 
talents, which I cannot pretend to rival, have ever 
been subject to it ; my heart tells me it has been 
my unremitted aim to do the best which circum- 
stances would permit ; yet I may have been very 
often mistaken in my judgment of the means, and 
may, in many instances, deserve the imputation 
of error." 

About the same time it was reported that Wash- 
ington had determined to resign his command. 
O.i this occasion he wrote to a gentleman in New 
England as follows; "lean assure you that no 
person ever heard me drop an expression that had 
a tendency to resignation. The same principles 
th t*^ led me to embark in the opposition to the ar- 
burary claims of Great Britain, operate with addi- 



84 lliE LIVE OF 

tional force at this day ; nor is it my desire to 
withdraw my services while they are considered 
of importance in the present contest; but to re- 
port a design of this lynd is among the arts which 
those who are endeavouring to effect a change, are 
practising to brmg it to pass. I have said, and I 
still do say, that there is not an officer in tlie Unit- 
ed States that would return to the sweets of do- 
mestic life with more heart felt joy than I should. 
But I would have this declaration accompanied by 
these sentiments, that while the public are satis- 
fied with my endeavours, I mean not to shiink 
from the cause ; but the moment her voice, not 
that of faction, calls upon me to resign, 1 shdll do 
it with as much pleasure as ever the weary travel- 
ler retired to rest." 

These machinations did not abate the ardour of 
Washington in the common cause. His patiiot- 
ism was too solid to be shaken either by envy or 
ingratitude. Nor was the smallest eiTect produc- 
ed in diminishing his well earned reputation. Zeal 
the most active, and services tiie most beneficial, 
and at the same time disinterested, had rivetted 
him in the affections of his country and army. 
Even the victorious troops under General Gates, 
though comparisons highly flatteiing to their van- 
ity had been made between them and the army 
in Pennsylvania, clung to Washington as their po- 
litical saviour. Tlie resentment of the peoj)le was 
generally excited against those who were suppos- 
ed to be engaged in or friendly to the scheme of 
api30iiitlng a new commander in chief over the 
American army. 



4.C0HGE WASHINGTON. 85 



CHAPTER V 



CAMPAIGN OF irrs. 



General Wnshington yn-cpai-os foi- llir cainpnijjii of 17,5 Sui'l»Eis«i.s 

llie Driti'-h, ii;i«I Oci'eats them at Monniontli Arrests General Lee. 

Calms llic irritation excited by the (!oi)iU-ture oftlic French fleet fropi 
Itliode Island to ISoston Dissuades tVoin an invasion of Canada. 



WvsriiNGTON devoted the short respite from field 
duty which followed the encampment of the army 
at Valley Forge, to prepare for an earl}^ and active 
campaign in the year 1778. He laboured to im- 
press on Congress the necessity of having in the 
field a regular army, at least equal to that of the 
enemy. He transmitted to the individual states a 
return of the troops tliey had severally furnished 
for the continental army. While this exhibited to 
eachjts deficiency, it gave the General an oppor- 
tunity to urge on them respectively the necessity 
of completing their quotas. 

Congress deputed a committee of their body to 
reside in camp, and, in concert with Gen. Wash- 
ington, to investigate the state of the army, and 
to report sitch reforms as might be deemed expe- 
dient. 'Ihis committee, known by the name of 
•9 



8S Till'. LIFE OF 

*' The Committee of Arrangements," repaired to 
Valley Forge, in January, 1778. Washington 
lai ' before them a statement, in which a compre- 
hensive view of the army was lakeii, and in which 
he minutely pointed out what he deemed necessa- 
ry for the correction of existing abuses, and .for 
the advancement of the service. He recommend- 
ed, " as essenti.sily necessr.rj^ that in addition to 
present compensation, piovision sliould be made 
by half pay, and a pensionary establishment lor 
the future support of the ofiicers, so as to render 
thtrir commissions valuable." He pointed out 
'' the insufiicieiicy of their pay, espcei"lly in its 
present state of depreciition, for their decent sub- 
s'u^tencc ; the sacrifices ihty had already made, 
and the i!nteasoMa!)ieness of expecting that they 
wouid eoniinue patiently to bear such an over pro- 
portion of the common calamities growing out of 
the necessray war, in which all were equally in- 
terested ; the miiny resignations that had already 
taken place, and the probability that more would 
follow, to the great injury of the service ; the im- 
possibility of keeping up a strict discipline among 
orbxers whose commissions, in a pecuniary vie>\', 
were so far from Ixing woith holding, that iney 
were the means of in^poverishingthem." These, 
and other weighty considerations, were aceon t pa- 
nic d with a declaration by Gen. Waslncgton, 
" tliat he neither could r.or would receive the 
S'.naliest benefit from the jaoposed establishment, 
and that he had no other inducement lii iirgmg it, 
f^ut a full conviction of its utility and propiieiy." 
In the snme statement the comniander in t liief 
CKplaiaed to the committee of Congresji the defects 



GEOIir.K WASI.'IXGTON. 37 

in the quarter masters, and other departments con- 
nected widi the supjxjrt and comfort of the army; 
and also urged the necessity of each state com- 
])leting its quota by draughts from the mihtia. 
The statement concUidcs with these impressive 
words ; *' Upon tlie whole, gentlemen, I doubt not 
you are fully impressed with the defects of our pres- 
ent military system, and with the necessity of spee>- 
dy and decisive measures to place it on a satisfic- 
tory footing. The disagreeable picture I have 
gi\e!i you of the war-ts and sufterings of the ami}'", 
and the discontents reigning among the officers, is 
a just representation of evils equally melancholy 
and important ; and unless effectual remedies be 
applied without loss of time, the most alarming 
and ruinous consequences arc to !3e apprehended." 
The committee were fully impressed with the cor- 
rectness of the observations made by the com- 
mander in chief, and grounded their report upoii 
them. A general concurrence of sentiment took 
place. . Congress passed resolutions, but with sun- 
dry limitations, in favour of half pay to their offi- 
cers for seven years after' the war ; and gave their 
sanction to the other measures suggested l)y Wash- 
ington, and recommended by tluu' connnittee. 
But, from the delays incidental to large bodies, 
either deliberating upon or executing public busi- 
ness, much time necessarily elapsed before the ar- 
my received the benefits of the proposed reforms ; 
arid in the mean time their distresses approached 
to such a height as threatened their immediate dis- 
solution. Respect for their commander attached 
both oOiccrs and soldiers so strongly to h.is person^ 
us enabled him to keep them togeiher under privet- 



88 1 HP, I.II'K OF 

tiorrs almost too nuich for human nature to bear. 
Their ettectivc force througliout the winter was 
little more than five thousand men, though their 
numbers on paper exceeded seventeen thousand. 
It was well for them ihw the British made no at- 
tempt to disturb them while in this destitute con- 
dition. In that case the Americans could not have 
kept their camp for want of provisiotis ; nor could 
they have retreated from it without the certain loss 
of sonic thousands who were barefooted and oth- 
Oi'wise almost naked. Nciiher could they have 
risked an action with any probable hope of suc- 
cess, or without hazarding the most serious con- 
sequences. 

The historians of the American revolution will 
detail the particulars of a treaty entered into about 
this time between France and the United States, . 
:nid also that thereupon the government of Great 
Britain offered terms to the Americans equal to 
all th.c-y had asked anterior to their declaration of 
independtnce. The lirst certain intellii^ence of 
these oilers was received by Gen, Washington in 
a letter from Major General Tryon, the British 
Governor of New York, enclosing the conciliato- 
ry proposals, and recommending " that they should 
be circulated In' Gen. Washmgton among the of- 
iicers and privates of his army." Instead of com- 
plying with this extraordinary request, he forward- 
ed" the whole to Congress. The offers of Great 
Britain, \\hicli, if made in due time, would have 
>?revented the dismemberment of the empire, w-erc 
promptly rejected. The day after their rejection 
a resolution formerly recommended by Washing- 
ion was adopted by Congress, in which they urged 



GfiOROK WASHINGTON. 80 

upon the different states " to pardon, under cer- 
tain limitations, such of their misguided citizens 
as liad levied uT.r against the United States." Cop- 
ies of this were struck off in English and German, 
and Gen. Washington was directed to take meas- 
ures for circulatiiig them among the American lev- 
ies in the British army. lie munediately enclos- 
ed them in a letter to Tryon, in which he acknowl- 
edged the receipt of his late letter covering the 
British conciliatory bills, and requesting their cir- 
culation in the American army ; and in the way 
of retort requested the instrumentality of Tryon 
in making the resolves of Congress known to the 
Americans in the British army, on whom they 
were intended to operate. 

Aijout this time Sir William Howe resigned the 
command of the British army, and returned to 
Great Britain. His successor. Sir Henry Cliiiton, 
Jiad scarcely entered on the duties of his office, 
when he received orders to evacuate Piiiladelphia. 
This was deemed expedient fiom an apprehen- 
sion that it would be a dangerous position in case 
a French fleet, as was expected, should arrive in 
the Delaware to co-operate with the Auericans. 

The design of evacuating Philadelpliia was soon 
discovered by Washington ; but the object or 
course of the enemy could not be precisely ascer- 
tamed. Their ])repanitions equally denoted an 
expedition to the soutii i an embarkation of thv.'»r 
whole army for New York ; or a march to thiit 
city through New Jersey. In the two fust cayes 
Washington had not the means of annoyance ; but 
as the probability of the last daily increased, he di- 
rected his chief attenlion to that point, Geiir 



'•^'^ . I'flK LIFE OJ'- 

Maxwell, with the Jersey brigade, was ordered 
over the Delaware to take 'post ai)oiit Mount Hol- 
Iv, and to co-operate with Gen. Dickinson at the 
head of the Jersey militia, in obstructing the pro- 
gress oftiic royal army till time should 'be gained 
for Washington to overtake them. The British 
crossed the Delaware to Gloucester Point, on the 
18th. of June, 1778 ; the Americans in four days 
after, ai Corryei's ferry. The general officers of 
the latter, on being asked wliat line of conduct 
they deemed most advisable, had previously, and 
with one consent, agreed to attempt nothing till 
the evacuation of Philadelphia was completed; 
but after the Dela-vvare was crossed, there was a 
diversity of sentiment respecting the measures 
proper to be jnn-sued. Gen. Lee, who, havins: 
been exchanged, joined the army, was of opinion 
that the United States, in consequence of their late 
Ibreign connexions, ^vere secure of their indepen- 
dence, unless their army was defeated ; and that 
under such circumstances it w^ould be criminal to 
hazard an action, unless they had some decided 
advantage. Though the numbers in both armies 
were nearly equal, and about ten thousand effect- 
ivemcn in each, he attributed so much to the su- 
periority of British discipline, as made him appre- 
hensive of the issue of an engagement on equal 
ground. /J'hese sentiments were sanctioned by 
tlie voice of a great majority of the general officers. 
Washir.gton was nevertheless strongly inclined to 
risk an action. Though cautious, he was enter- 
prising, and could not readily believe that the 
ehances of war were so much"^against him as to 
thi-eiiten consequences of the alarming magnitude 



GEORGF- WASmXOTOX. 91 

which had been announced. There was a gener- 
al concurrence in a proposal for strengrhening the 
corps on the left flank of the enemy with fifteen 
hundred men, to improve any partial advantages 
that might oBer, and that the main body should 
preserve a relative position for acting as circum- 
stances might require. 

When Sir Henry Clinton had advanced to Al- 
leniovvn, he determined, instead of keeping the di- 
rect course toward Staten Island, to draw toward 
the sea coast, and to pusli on toward Sandy Hook. 
Vv'ashington, on receiving intelligence that Sir 
Henry was proceeding in that direction toward 
Monniouth courthouse, despatched one thousand 
men u<ider Gen. Wayne, and sent the Marquis de 
la Fayette to take corn maud of the whole, with 
orders to seize the fust fair opportunity of attack- 
ing the enemy's rear. The command of this ad- 
vnnccd cor])s was offered to Gen. Lee, but he de- 
clined it. TJie whole army followed at a proper 
distance for supporting the advanced corps, and 
reached Cranberry the nextmorning. Sir Henry 
Clinton, sensible of the approach of tlic Americans, 
placed his grenadiers, light inflmtry, and chasseurs, 
in his rear, and his baggage in his front. Wash- 
ington increased his advanced corps with two brig- 
ades, and sent Gen. Lee, who now wished for the 
command, to take charge of the whole, and fol-- 
lowed with the main army to give it support. On 
the next morning orders were sent to Lee to move 
on and attack, unless there should be poweiful 
reasons to the contrary. When Washington had 
marched about five miles to support the advanced 
corps, he found the whole of it retreating by Lee's 



92 THE LIFE OF 

orders, and without having made any oppositiorf ' 
of consequence. W;\shing'ton rode up to Lee and 
proposed certain questions. Lee answered with 
warmth, and unsuitable language. The com- 
mander in chief ordered Col. Stewart's, and Lieut. 
Col. Ramsay's battalions, to form on a piece of 
ground which he judged suitable for giving a check 
to the advarcing enem} . Lee was then asked if 
he would comrnand on that ground, to which he 
consented, and was ordered to take proper meas- 
ures for checking the enemy ; to which he repli- 
ed, " your orders shall be obeyed, and I will not 
be the first to leave the held." Washington then 
rode to the main army, which was formed with the 
utmost expedition. A warm cannonade immedi- 
ately commenced betwcfen the British and Amer- 
ican artillery, and a heavy firing between the ad- 
vanced troops of the British army and the two 
battalions which Washington had halted. These' 
stood their ground till they were intermixed with 
a part of the Biitish army. Gen. Lee continued 
till tlie last on the field of battle, and brought off 
the rear of the retreating troops 

The check the British received gave time to 
make a disposition of the left wing and second line 
of the American army, in the v/ood and on the 
eminence to which Lee was retreaiing. On this 
sone cannon were placed by lord Stirling, who 
conmianded the left wing, which, with the co-oi> 
ercition of sor:ie parties of infantry, effectually stop- , 
pcd the udvatice of the Biitish in that quarter.; 
Geu. Greene took a very advantageous position on 
the riviic ^f lord Surling. The British attempted 
to turn the kit fiank of the Americans, but were 



GEOIKiR WASMXt.TOX. 



93 



i-epulsed. They also made a movement to the 
rigiit, with as little sticeess ; for Greene, ^vit.h ar- 
tillery, disappointed their design. Wayne advanc- 
ed with a body of troops, and kept up so severe 
and well directed a fire, that the British were soon 
compelled to give way. They retired, and took 
the position which Lee had before occupied. 
V/ashington resolved to attack them, and ordered 
Gen. Poor to move round upon their right, and 
Gen. Woodford to their left ; but they could not 
get within reach before it was dark. These re- 
mained on the ground which they had been di- 
rected to occupy, during the night, with an inten- 
tion of attacking early next morning ; and the 
main bt}dy lay on their arms in the field to be 
ready for supporting them. Gt^n. Washington, 
after a day of great aciivity and iiuich personal dan- 
ger, reposed among his troops on his cloak under 
a tree, in hopes of renewing the action the next 
d iy. But these hope-j were frustrated. The Brit- 
ish nvarelKd awa} in ine night in such silence, 
that Gen. Poor, tliough he lay very near them, 
knew notlung of their departure. They left be- 
hind tiieni four officers and about forty privates, 
all so badly wounded that they could not be re- 
moved. Then- other woinided were carried off. 
The British pursued their march without farther 
interruption, and sooii reached the nsrighl)Ourhood 
of Sand}' Hook, wichont the loss of enher tiicir 
covering party or bairgage. The A niericim Gen- 
eral dechiied ail farther pursuit of the royal army, 
and soon after drew off his tr®ops to the borders 
of the North River. The loss of the Americans 
in killed and wounded was about two hundred and 



94 THE LIFE OF 



fifty. The loss of the royal army, inclusive of 
prisoners, was about three hundred and fifty. 

On the ninth day after this action. Congress 
unanimously resolved, " that their thanks be giv- 
en to Gen. Washington for the activity with which 
he marched from 'the camp at Valley Forge in 
pursuit of the enemy ; for his distinguished exer- 
tions in forming the line oi" battle ; and tor his 
great good conduct in leading on the attack, and 
gaining the important victory of Monmouth, over 
the British grand army, under the command of 
Gen. bir Henry Cliaton, in their march from Phi- 
ladelphia to New York." It is probable that 
Washington intended to take no further notice ot 
Lee's conduct in the day of action, but the latter 
could not brook the expressions used by the form- 
er at their first meeting, and wrote him two pas- 
sionate letters. This occasioned his being arrest- 
ed, and brought to trial. The charges exhibited 
against him were, 

1st. For disobedience of orders in not attacking 
the enemy on the 28th. of June, agreeable to re- 
peated iristructions. 

2dly. For misbehaviour before the enemy on 
the same day, by making an unnecessary, disor- 
derly, and shameful retreat. • i • <• 
3dly. For disrespect to the commander in chiet 
in two letters. . 

After a tedious hearing before a court martiaU 
of which lord Stirlir.g was president, Lee was 
found guilty, and sentenced to be suspended ironi 
ajv command in tlie armies of the United States 
for ^iic term of one year ; but the second charge 
wao softened by the court, wh.ch only found him 



GEORGE WASrT!XCTON. 



95 



guilty of misbehaviour before the eaeniy, hy mak- 
iu,^ j;i uiijiecessar}'', and, in soiiic few instafices, a 
distjrd.-rly retreat. 

S'.jori alter the battle of Mon noiith the Ameri- 
can uriny took post nt the Whta Pi ;i s, .ind re- 
mitintd tiiere, u.vi in tae v^;hii.v, h ' uNnn!^ was 
far advaticed, ••ix! ih--:- '.i;;.;d lo .' iiddteo'-ook. in 
Neu' Jersey. D-.i..' );■• uk. ^ .i ikV, nodiingof more 
importance ocearred ui-m skirmishes, in which 
Gen. Washington was not particularly engaged. 
He was nevertheless fuiiy enipiov^d. His mild 
conciliatory manners, and the most perfect sub- 
jection of nis passions to. reason, together with the 
soundness of his judgment, enabled him to serve 
his country with equal effect, thoiig'i with less 
splendour than is usually attached to military ex- 
ploits. 

The French fleet, the expectation of which had 
induced the evacuation of Philadelphia, arrived 
too iaie for attacking the Britiah m the DeUiw-ire. 
It uas also deemed unadvisable to attempt New 
York ; but the Biitish posts on Rhode Island were 
judged proper objecis of a conjunct expedition 
with the sea and land ibrees of France and Amer- 
ica. I'his being resolved upon, Gen. Sullivan 
vv.v a'orointcd to conduct the operations oi ilie 
A >; ; i , i ,. When tlie preparatior.s for commenc- 
ing- iiiv au.ijk were neii.iy completed, a British fleet 
apjjeuted :;i sight. D'Estaing, who commauded 
the French fleet, put out to sea to engage them ; 
but a storm came on which crippled both fleets cO 
such an extent, as induced the one to go to N \v 
\ork, and ihe other to Boston, for the purpose of 
being repaired. While the tieets were out of 



96 THE LIFE or 



sight, Sullivan bad commenced the siege, and flat- 
tered himsdf that a few days co-operation of the 
returned French ships could not fail of crowning 
him with success. The determination of I>'l^:s- 
taing to retire to Boston instead of co-operating m 
the siege, excited the greatest alarm in Sullivan's 
army. Bv this dereliction of the original plan, 
the harbours of Rhode Isl .nd were left free and 
open for reinforcements to the British, which might 
be easily poured in from their head quarters in 
New York. Inste..d of anticipated conquests, 
Sullivan had reason to fear for the safety of his ar- 
111)-. Irritated at the departure of D'Estaing, he 
expressed in general orders lo Ins army, " his 
hope that the event would prove America able to 
D) ocure that, by her own arms, which her allies 
refused to assist in obtaining." These expres- 
sions were considered as imputing to D'Kstaing 
and the French nation a disinclination to promote 
the interests of the Umted Siutes. When eiitrea- 
ties f liled of persuading D'Estaing to return to 
the siege, a pai)er was drawn up and signed by the 
princip\il officers of the Americans, and sent to 
him, in which they protested against his taking the 
fleet to Boston, *' as derogatory to the honour of 
France ; contrary to the intentions of his most 
Christian Majesty, and the interest of his nation ; 
destructive to the wcllarc of the United States, and 
highlv injurious to the alliance between the two 
nations." So much discontent prevailed, that se- 
rious apprehensions were entertained that the means 
Of repairing the French tleet would not be readn^ 
obtained. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 97 

Washington foresaw the evils likely to result 
from the general and mutual irritation which pre- 
vailed, and exerted all his influence to calm the 
minds of both parties. He had a powerful coad- 
jutor in the Marquis de la Fayette, who was as de- 
servedly dear to the Americans as to the French. 
His lirst duties were due to his king and country ; 
but he loved America, and was so devoted to the 
com.mander in chief of its armies, as to enter into 
his views, and second his softening conciliatory 
measures, with truly filial affection. 

Washington also wrote to Gen. Heath, who 
commanded at Boston, and to Sullivan and Greene, 
who commanded at Rhode Island. In his letter 
to Gen. Heath, he stated his fears *' that the de- 
parture of the French fleet from Rhode Island, at 
so critical a moment, would not only weaken the 
confidence of the people in their new allies, but 
produce such prejudice and resentment as might 
prevent their giving the fleet, in its present dis- 
tress, such zealous and eflectual assistance as was, 
demanded by the exigence of aftairs, and the true 
interests of America ;" and added, '! that it would 
be sound policy to combat these effects, and to 
give the best construction of what had happened ; 
and at the same time to make strenuous exertions 
for putting the French fleet as soon as possible, in 
a condition to defend itself, and be useful." He 
also observed as follows ; " the departure of the 
fleet from Rhode Island, is not yet publicly an- 
nounced here ; but when it is, I intend to ascribe 
it to necessity produced by the damage received 
in the late storm. This it appears to me is the 
idea which ought to be generallv propagated. As 
10 



98 ■ THE LM E Ol 

I doubt not the force of tlicse reasons will strike 
you equally with myself, I would recommend to 
you to use your utmost ir.fluence to palliate and 
soften matters, and to induce those whose business 
it is to provide succours of every kind for the fleet, 
to employ their utmost zeal and activity in doing 
it. It is our duty to make the best of our misfor- 
tunes, and not suffer passion to interfere, with our 
•interest and the public good." 

In a letter to Gen. Sullivan, he observed, " the 
disagreement between the ariuy under your com- 
mand and the fleet, has given me \'qv^' singular un- 
easiness. The continent at large is concerned in 
our cordiality, and it slioukl be kept up by all 
possible means consistent with our honour and pol- 
icy. First imprco.sions are generally longest re- 
tained, and will serve to fix in a great (''grce our 
national character with the Fieneh. In our con- 
duct toward them, we should remember, that they 
are a people old in war, \<cx-j strict in military et- 
iquette, and apt to take fuc Vvhen others seent 
scarcely warmed. Permit me to reconvraend in 
the most particular nianiitr, lIk' er.lii\ation of liar- 
mony and good agreement, and your endeavours 
to destroy that ill humour which may iuive found, 
its way among the officers. Ir. is of the utmost 
iuipoistance too that the soldiers ap.d tlhc ))eople 
should know notlnn;:'; of tiiis misunderstanding ;* 
or if it has reached thcni, that means maybe used 
to Slop its progress, and prevent its effects." 
• In a letter to i^'i:.'.^. Greene, he observed, " I 
•have not now time to take notice of the several ar- 
guments, which were made use of, forandagamst 
the Count's quitting the harbour of Newport, and 



GEORGE WASHING TON. 99 

saillne^ for Boston. Right or wrong, it will Preb- 
le ably disappoint our sanguine expectations of suc- 
V cess, and, which I deem a still worse consequence, 
p., I fear it will sow the seeds of dissension and dis- 
1 trust between us and our .new allies, unless the 
most prudent measures be taken to suppress the 
feuds and jealousies that have already risen. I de- 
pend much' on you-r temper and influence to con- 
ciliate that aiiimosity which subsists between the 
American and French officers in our service. I 
beg you will take every measure to keep the pro- 
test entered into by the general officers from being 
made public. Congress, sensible of the ill conse- 
quences .that will flow from our difierences being 
known to the world, have passed a resolve to that 
purpose. Upon the v/liole, my dear sir, you can 
conceive my meaning better than I can express it ; 
and I therefore fnlly depend on your exerting 
yourself to heal all private animosities between our 
principal officers and the French, and to prevent 
all illiberal expressions and reflections tirat may 
fall from the army at large." 

Washington also improved the fi.rst opportuni- 
ty of recommencing his correspondence with count 
D'Estaing, in a letter to him, which, without no- 
ticing the disagreements that had taken place, was 
well calculated to sooth every ar.gry sensation 
which might have rankled in his mind. In the 
course of a short correspondence, the irritation 
which threatened serious mischiefs entirely gave 
way 'to returning good humour and cordiality. 

In another case about the same time the correct 
judgment of Washington proved serviceable to 
his country. In the last months of the year 1778, 



100 



TJIK LIFF, OF 



uhcii the most active part of the campaign was 
o\ tr, Con^acss decided on a niag-nificent plan for 
the conquest of Canada. This was to be attempt- 
ed in 1779 by land and water, on the side of the 
United Stales, and by j*.fleet and army from France. 
The plan was proposed, considered, and agreed to, 
before W^ishington was informed of it. He was 
then desired to write to Dr. Franklin, the Aineri- 
eau minister at Paris, to interest him in securing 
the proposed co-operation of France. In reply to 
the communications of Congress, he obser\ed, 
" tlie earnest desire I have strictly to comply in 
every instance with the views and insrtructions of 
Congress, cannot but make me fc'el the greatest 
uneasiness when I find myself in circumstances of 
hesitation or doubt, with respect to their direc- 
tions ; but the perfect confidence I have in the jus- 
tice and candour of that honourable body, embold- 
ens me to communicate without reserve the diffi- 
culties which occur in the execution of their pres- 
ent order ; and the indulgence I have experienced 
on every former occasion induces me to imagine 
that the liberty I now take will not meet with dis- 
approbation. 

" I have attentively taken up the report of the 
committee respecting the proposed expedition in- 
to' Canada. 1 have considered it in several lights, 
and sincerely regret that I should feel mys:elf un- 
der any embarrassment in carrying it into execu- 
tion. Still I remain of opinion, from a general 
review of things, and the state of our resources, 
that no extensive system of co-operation with the 
French for the complete emancipation of Cjlnada, 
can be positively decided on for the ensuing year. 



(,'/,OIU; !•: W ASH fNGlOX. 



101 



To propose a plan of perfect co-operation with a 
loreign power, without a moral certainty in our 
supplies ; and to have that plan actually ratified 
^vilh the court of Versailles, might be attended, in 
case of failure in the ponditioas on our part, with 
very fatal effects. 

" If I should seem unwilling to transmit the 
plan as prepared by Congress, with my observa- 
tions, it is because I find myself under a necessi- 
ty, in order to give our minister sufficient ground 
to found an application on, to propose something 
more than a vague and indeci^iive plan, which, ev- 
en in the event of a total evacuation of the states 
by the enemy, may be rendered impracticable in 
the execution by a variety of insurmountable ob- 
stacles ; or if I retain my present sentiments, and 
act consistently, I nuist point out the difficulties, 
as they appear to me, which must embarrass his 
negotiations, and may disappoint the views of 
Congress. 

" i3ut proceeding on the idea of the enemy's 
leaving these states before the active part of the 
ensuing campaign, ' should fear to hazuda mis- 
take as to the precise aim and extent of the views 
of Congress. The conduct I am to observe in 
writing to our nunister at the court of France, 
does not appear suuiciently delineated. Were I 
to undertake it, I should be much afraid of erring 
through misconception. ' In this dilemma, I would 
esteem it a particular favour to be excused from, 
writing at all on the subject, especially as it is the 
p-irt of candour in me to acknowledge that I do 
not see my way clear enough to point out such ar 
plan for co-operation, as 1 conceive to be consist- 
10* 



102 ' THE Lll E 01 

ent with the ideas of Congress, and as will be suf- 
ficiently explanatory with respect to time and cir- 
cumstances, to give efficacy to the measure. 

" But if Congress still think it necessary for me 
to proceed in the business,.! must request their 
more definitive and explicit instructions, and that 
they will permit me previous to transmittmg the 
intended despatches, to submit them to their de- 
termination. 

" I could wish to lay before Congress more mi- 
nutely the state of the army, the condition of our 
supplies, and the requisites necessary for carry- 
ing into execution an undertaking that may in- 
volve the most serious events. If Congress think 
this can be done more satisfactorily in a personal 
conference, I hope to have the army in such a 
situation before I can receive their answer as to 
afford me an opportunity of giving my attend- 
ance." 

The personal interview requested in this letter 
was agreed to by Congress, and a committee ap- 
pointed by them to confer with him. The result 
was that the proposed expedition against Canada 
was given up by tliose who, after repealed delib- 
eration, had resolved upon it. 



fJEOJlGE WASHING TON lOS 



CHAPTER VI 



CAMPAIGN OF 1-79 



The tWsti'csses of the American armj'.... Gen. Wnsliitif^ton calms the 

uneasiness in the Jersey line Kinds gi-eat iliffieuUy in supporting his 

troops and conctntraling their force. ..AJakes a disposition of them 

Avilh a view to the security of West I'oint Directs an expedition 

against the Si.x Nations of Indians, and for the reduction of Stony 
Point Paulcs Hook laiien. . .A Fi'euoh fleet, cxpccied to the north- 
ward, arrives on the coast of Georgia ....Washington, unequal to offen- 
sive operations, retires into winter quarters. 



TfiK years 1779 and 1780, passed away in the 
northern states without aiiy of those great milita- 
ry exploits which enhven the pages of history ; 
but they were years of anxiety and distress, which 
called for all the passive valour, the sound practi- 
cal judgment, and the conciliatory address, for 
which Gen. Washington was so eminently distin- 
guished. The slates, yielding to the pleasing de- 
lusion that their alliance with France placed their 
independence beyond the reach of accident, and 
that Great Britain, despairing of success, would 
speedily abandon the content, relaxed in their 
preparations for a vigorous prosecution of the war. 



104' TJIK LIFK OF 

To these ungrounded hopes Washington opposed 
the whole vvci«^ht of his influenee. In his corres- 
pondence with Congress, the Governors 'of partic- 
ular states, and other influential individuals, he 
pointed out the fallacj^ of the prevailing opinion 
that peace was near at hand ; and the necessity for 
raising, equipping, and supporting, a force suffi- 
cient for active .operations. He particularly urg- 
ed that the annual arrangements for the iwmy 
should be made so early that the recruits for the 
year should assemble at liead (juarters on the first 
of January ; but such was the torj)or of the pub- 
lic mind that, notwithstanding these representa- 
tions, it was as late as the 23d. of January, 1779, 
when Congress ])assed resolutions authorizing ihe 
commander in chief to reinlist the army ; and as 
kite as the 9th. of the* following March, that the 
requisitions were m;ide on the several states for 
their cjnotas. The military establishment for 1 780 
was later ; for it was not agreed upon till the 9:h. 
of Februar ; nor were the men required be-fore 
the first of April. Thus, when armies oughi to 
have been in the field, nothing more was done 
th.in a grant of the requisite authority for raising 
theni. 

The depieciatlon of the current paper money 
had advanced so raj)idly as to render the daily pay 
of an oiHvX-r une(]ual to his support. Th.s pro- 
duced iigious discontents in the army. An order 
was given in May. 1779, for the Jersey brigade 
to march by regiments to join the western army. 
In answer to this order a ktter was received from 
Gen. Maxwell, stating that the officers of the first 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 105 

regiment had delivered to tlicir Colonel a remon- 
strance, addressed to the legislature of New Jer- 
sey, in which they declared, that unless their form- 
er complaints on the deficiency of pay obtained 
immediate attention, they were to be considered at 
the end ^of three days as having resigned their 
commissions ; and on that contingency they re- 
quested the legislature to appoint other officers in 
their stead. General Washington, who w<is strong- 
ly attached to the army, and knew their virtue, 
their sufferings, and also the justice of their com- 
plamts, immediately comprehended the ruinous 
consequences likely to result from the measure 
they had adopted. After serious deliberation, he 
wrote a letter to Gen. Maxwell, to be laid before 
the officers. In the double capacity of their friend 
and their commander, he made a forcible address 
both to their pride and their patriotism. *' There 
is nothnig," he observed, " which has happened 
in the course of the war, that has given me so 
much pain as the remonstrance you mention from 
the oilicers of the first Jersey regiment. I cannot 
but consider it a hastv and imprudent step, which, 
on more cool consideration, they will themselves 
condemn. I am very sensible of the inconvenien- 
ces under which the officers of the aiiny labour, 
and I hope they do me the justice to believe, that 
my endeavours to proeui-e them relief i\re inces- 
sant. There is more difficulty, however, in satis- 
fying their wishes, than perhaps they are aware of. 
Our resources have been hitherto very limited. 
The situation of our money is no small embar- 
rassment, for which, though there are remedies, 
thev cannot be the work of a moment. Govern- 



106 



THE LIFE OF 



ment is not insensible of the merits and sucfific&s- 
of the officers, nor unvvilHng to make a compcn- • 
sation ; but it is a truth of which a very little ob- 
servation must convince us, that it is very much 
straitened in the meaivs. Great allowances ought 
to be 4iiad-e on this account, ior any delay and 
seeming backwardness whicli may appear. Some 
of the states, indeed, have done as generously as 
was in their power ; and if others have been less 
expeditious, it ou^ght to be ascribed to some pe- 
culiar cause, which a little time, aided by exam- 
ple, will remove. The patience and perseverance 
of the army have been, under every disadvantage, 
such as do them the highest honour at iiome and 
abroad, and have inspired me with an unlimited 
confidence in their virtue, which has consoled me 
amidst every perplexity and reverse of fortune, to 
which our affairs, in a struggle of this nature, were 
necessarily exposed. Now -that we have made so 
great a progress to the attaijunent of the end we 
have in view, so that we cannot tail. Without a 
most shameful desertion ot our" own interests/any 
thing like a change of conduct would imply.a very 
unhappy change of principles, and a forgetfulness 
as well of what we owe to ourselves as to our 
country. Did I suppose it possible this snouid 
be the case, even in a single regiment of the army, 
I should.be mortified and chagrined beyotid ex- 
pression. I should feel it as a wound given to 
my own honour, which I consider as embarked 
whh that of the army. But this I believe to be 
impossible. Any corps that was about to set an 
example of the kind, v/ould weigh well the coiise- 



CEORGE WASHING I on! 107 

quences ; and no officer of common discernment 
and sensibility would hazard them. If they should 
stand alone in it, independent of other consequen- 
ces, what would be their feelings on reflecting that 
they had held themselves out to the world in a 
point of light inferior to the rest of the army ? Or, 
if their example should be followed, and become 
general, how could they console themselves for 
having been the foremost in bringing ruin and dis- 
grace upon their country ? I'hey would remem- 
ber that the army would share a double portion 
of the general infamy and distress ; and that the 
character of an American officer would become as 
despicable as it is now glorious. 

" I coi^ftss the appcaninces in the present in- 
stance are disagreeable ; l:)nt I am convinced they 
seem to mean tnore than they really do. The 
Jersey officers have not been outdone by any 
others, in the qualities cither of .ciiizt.ns or sold- 
iers ; and I am confidePit n6 part of them would 
seriously iritend any thing that would be a stain 
on their former reputation. The gentlemen can- 
not be in earnest ; they have only reasoned wrong 
about the means of attaining a good end, and, on 
consideration, I hope and flatter myself they will 
renounce what must appear improper. At the 
opening of a campaign, when under marching or- 
ders -for an important service, their own honour, 
duty to the public, and to themselves, and a re- 
gard to military propriety, will not suffer them to 
persist in a measure which would be a violation 
of them all. It will even wound their delicacy 
coolly to reflect, that they have hazarded a btep 



108 THE LIFK Ot 

wliich has an air of dictating terms to their coun-. 
try, by taking advantage of the necessity of the 
moment. 

" The declaration they have made to the state, 
at so critical a tniie, that ' unless they obtain re- 
lief in the short period of three days, they must 
be considered out of the service,' has very much 
that aspect ; and the seeming relaxation of contin- 
uing until the state can have a reasonable time to 
provide other officers, will be thought only a su- 
perficial veil. I am now to request that you will 
convey, my sentiments to the gentlemen concern- 
ed, and endeavour to make them sensible of their 
error. The service for which the regiment was 
inLcnded, will not admit of delay. It must at all 
events march on Moiiday morning, in the first 
pl:»cc to this camp, and furi.her directions will be 
given when "it arrives. 1 atn sure I shall not be 
iiiistaken in expecting a prompt and cheerful obe- 
dience." 

The officers did not explicitly recede from their 
claims, but were brought round so far as to con- 
tinue in service, -in an address to Gen. Wash- 
ington, they declared " their unhappiness that^ny 
step of theirs should give him pairi ;" but alleged 
in justification of themselves, " that repeated me- 
morials had been presented to their legislature, 
wh.ich had been neglected ;" and added, *' we 
have lost all confidence in that body. Reason 
and experience forbid that we should have any. 
Few of us have private fortunes ; many have f un- 
ilies wlio already are suffering every thing that 
can be received from an ungrateful country. Are 



jg GEoriGK w\sniNCToy. 109 

wc then to suffer all the inconveniences, fatigues, 
and" dangers, of a military life, while our wives 
and our children are perishing for want of com- 
mon necessaries at home ; atid that without the 
most distant prospect of r«ward, for our pay is now 
only nominal ? We are sensible that your excel- 
lency cannot wish or desire this from us. 

" We are .sorry that you should imagine wc 
meant to disobey orders. It wis, and still is, our 
determination to march with our regiment, and 
to do the duty of officers, until the legislature 
should have a reasonable time to appoint others ; 
but no longer. 

• " We beg leave to assure your excellency, that 
we have the highest sense of your ability and vir- 
tues ; that executing your orders has ever given 
us pleasure ; that we love the service, and we love 
our country ; but when that country is so lost to 
virtue and to justice as to forget to support its 
servants, it then becomes their duty to retire from 
its service." 

The ground adopted by the officers for their 
justification, was such as interdicted a resort to 
stern measures ; at the same time a compliance 
with their demands was impossible. In this em- 
barrassing situation, Washington took no other no- 
tice of their letter than to declare to the officers, 
through Gen. Maxwell, " that while they contin- 
ued to do their duty, he should only regret the 
part they had taken." The legislature of New 
Jersey, roused by these events, made some partial 
provision for their troops. The officers withdrew 
their remonstrance, and continued to do their duty. 
11 



110 THE LIFE or m 

The consequences likely to result Irom the 
measures adopted by the Jersey oflicers being Jiar- 
ried by the good sense and prudence of Gen. 
Washington, he improved the event when com- 
municated lo CongresSjfby urging on them the ab- 
solute necessity of some general and adequate pro- 
vision for the oflicers of their army ; and observ- 
ed, " that the distresses in some corps are so great, 
that oflicers have solicited even to be supplied with 
the clothing destined for the common soldier}^, 
coarse and unsuitable as it was. I had not power 
to comply with the request. 

" The patience of men animated by a sense of 
duty and honour, will support them to a certain 
j)oint, beyond which it will not go. I doubt not 
Congress will be sensible of the danger of an ex- 
trcnic in this respect, and will pardon my anxiety 
to obviate it." 

The members of Congress were of different 
o])inions respecting their militar3' arrangements. 
Wiiile some were in unison with the General for 
a permanent national army, well equipped and am- 
ply supported, others were apprehensive of dan- 
ger to their future liberties from such establish- 
ments, and gave a preference to inlistments for 
.short periods, not exceeding a year. These also 
were partial to state systems, and occasional calls 
of the militia, instead of a numerous regular force, 
at the disjiosal of Congress or the commander 
in chief. From the various aspect of public af- 
fairs, and the frequent change of members com- 
posing the national legislature, sometimes one par- 
ty predominated, and sometimes another. On the 
whole, the siq^port recei>'ed by ^Vashingtou was 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



lU 



far short of what economy, as well as sound poli- 
cy , required. 

The American army in these years was not 
only deficient in clothing, but in food. The sea- 
sons both in 1779 'and 1780, were unfavourable 
to the crops. The labours of the farmers had of- 
ten been interrupted by calls for militia dut}'. 
The current paper money was so depreciated as 
to be deemed no equivalent for the productions of 
the soil. So great were the necessities of the 
American army, that Gen. Washington \vas oblig- 
ed to call on the magistrates of the adjacent coun- 
ties for specified quantities of provisions, to be sup- 
plied in a given number of days. At other times 
he was compelled to send out detachments of hi^ 
troops to take provisions at the point of the bay- 
onet from the citizens. This expedient at length 
failed, for the country in the vicinity of the army 
afforded no further supplies. These impressments 
were not only injurious to the morals and disci- 
pline of the army, but tended to alienate tlie aftcc- 
tions of the people. Much of the support which 
the American General had previously experienced 
from the inhabitants, proceeded from the diflcr- 
ence of treatment they received from their own 
army compared with what they suffered from the 
British. The General, whom the inliabitants hith- 
erto regarded as their ])rotector, had now no al- 
ternative but to disl)an{l his troops, or to support 
them by force. Tiie army looked to him for pro- 
visions ; the inhabitants for protection of their 
property. To supply the one and not offend the 
other, seemed little less than an impossibility. Tq. 
preserve order and subordination in an army of 



112 



THE LIFE OF 



free republicans, even when well fed, paid, and 
clothed, ViOidd iiave been a Mork of difficulty ; 
but to retoin them in service and restrain them 
with discipline, when destitute not only of the 
Gomforls, bat olten of ti^.e necessaries of life, re- 
quired address and abilities of such mag-nitude as 
are rarely found in human nature. In this choice 
of diBiculries, Gen. Washington not only kept lys 
army together, but conducted with so much dis- 
cretion as to command the approbation both of the 
army and of the citizens. 

Nothing of decisive importance could be at- 
tempted with an army so badly provided, and sa 
deficient in numbers. It did not exceed thirteen; 
thousand men, while the British, strongly fortified 
in New York and Rhode Island, amounted to six- 
teen or seventeen thousand. These were support- 
ed by a powerful fleet, which, by commanding 
the coasts and the rivers, furnished easy means for 
concentrating their force in any given point before 
the Americans could march to the same. This 
disparity v/as particularly striking in the movements 
of the two armies in the vicinity of the Hudson. 
Divisions of both were frequently posted on each 
side of that noble river. ^Vhile the British could 
cross directly over and unite their forces in any 
enterprise, the Americans could not safely effect a 
correspondent junction, unless they took a consid- 
erable circuit to avoid the British shipping. 

To preserve West Point and its dependences, 
was a primary object with Washington. To se- 
cure these he was obliged to refuse the pressing 
applications from the neighbouring states for large 
detachments from the continental army for their 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. US 

local defence. Early in the year, Sir Henry Clin- 
ton made some movements up the North River, 
which indicated an intention of attacking the posts 
in the Highlands ; but in proportion as these were 
threatened, Washington concentrated his force for 
their defence. This was done so effectually, that 
no serious direct attempt was made upon them. 
Clinton, hoping to allure the Americans from 
these fortresses, sent detachments to burn and lay 
waste the towns on the coast of Connecticut. 
This was done extensively. Norwalk, Fairfield, 
and New London, were destroyed. Washington, 
adhering to the principle of sacrificing small ob- 
jects to secure great ones, gave no more aid to 
the suffering inhabitants than was compatible with 
the security of West Point. 

Though the force under his immediate com- 
mand throughout the campaign of 1779, was un- 
equal to any great undertaking, yet his active, 
mind sought for and embraced such opportuiiities 
for offensive operations, as might be attempted 
without hazarding too much. 

The principal expedition of this kind, was di- 
rected ag-ainst tJie Six Nations of Indians, who in- 
habited the fertile country betu'een the western 
settlements of New York and Pennsylvania, and 
the lakes of Canada. These, from their vicinity 
and intercourse with the white people, had attain- 
ed a degree of civilization exceeding what was 
usual among savages. To them, many refugee 
lories had fled, and directed thcni to the settle- 
ments, which they laid waste, and at the same 
time massacred the inhabitants. In the early pe- 
riod of Washington's life, while commander of the 
■ 11* 



114 THE lAVli OF 

Virginia troops, he had ample experience of tiie 
futility of forts for defence against Indians, and of 
the superior advantage of carrying offensive opera- 
tions into their towns and settlements. An inva- 
sion of the country of the Six Nations being re- 
solved upon, the commander in chief bestowed 
much thought on the best mode of conducting it. 
The instructions he gave to Gen. Sullivan, w^ho 
was appointed to this service, were very particu- 
Tar, and mucli more severe than was usual, but not 
more so than retaliation justified, or policy recom- 
mended. Sullivan, with a considerable force, 
penetrated into tlie country of the Indians in three 
directions, k id waste their crops, and burnt their 
towns. His success was decisive, and in a great 
measu-'C secured the future peace of the frontier 
settlements. The late residence of the savages 
was rendered so fir uninhabitable, that they were 
reduced to the necessity of seeking an asylum in 
the more remote western country. 

While the British w^ere laying waste Connecti- 
cut, Washington, after reconnoitring the ground 
in person, planned an expedition against Stony 
Point, a commanding hill projecting far into the 
Hudson, on the top of wh;ch a fort had been 
erected, which was garrisoned with about six hun- 
dred men. One of the motives for assaulting this 
work, was the hope that, if successful, it might in- 
duce the detachment which had invaded Connect- 
icut, to desist from their devastations, and to re- 
turn to the defence of their own outposts. The 
enterprise was assigned to Gen. Wayne, who com- 
pletely succeeded in reducing the fort and captur- 
ing its garrison. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. . 115 

Sir Henry Clinton, on receiving intelli^gence of 
W ayne's success, relinquished his views on Con- 
necticut, and made a Ibrced march to Dobb's fer- 
ry, twenty six nu'es al:)ove New York. 

I'he reduction of Stony Point was speedily fol- 
lowed by the surprise of the British garrison at 
Panics Hook. This was first conceived and plan- 
ned by ;Vhijor Heniy Lee. On being sul^mitted 
to Gen. Washington, he favoured the enterprise, 
but withheld his full assent, till he was satisfied of 
the practicab lity of a retreat, cf which serious 
doubts were entertained. Lee, with three hun- 
dred men, entered the fort about three o'clock in 
the morning, and with very inconsiderable loss, 
took one hundred and fifty nine prisoners, and 
brought them off in safety from the vicinity of 
liirge bodies of the enemy. 

The reasons already mentioned, for avoidivigall 
hazardous offensive operations, were strongly en- 
forced by a well founded expectation that a French 
licet would appear on the coast, in the course of 
the year 1779. Policy required that the Ameri- 
can army should be reserved for a co-operation 
with their allies. The ffeet, as expected, did ar- 
rive, but in the vicinity of Georgia. The French 
troops, in conjunction with the southern army, 
cowimanded by Gen. Lincoln, made an unsuccess- 
ful attempt on the Biitish po^t in Savannah. This 
town had been reduced in December, 1778, by- 
Col. Cajnpbell, who had proceeded so far as to 
re-establish British authority in the state of Geor- 
gia. Soon after the defeat of the combined forces 
before Savannah, and the departure of the French 
fleet from the coast, Sir Henr}- Clinton proceeded 



116 TIIR LIFE or 

with the priiicli)al part of his army to Charleston, 
and conrnicd his views in New York to defensive 
o])crations. 

The eampuign of 1779 terminated in the north- 
ern stales as has been related, without any great 
events on either side. Washington defeated all 
the projcels of the British for getting possession 
of the Highlands. 'I'he Indians were seourged, 
and a lew brilliant strokes kept the public mind 
from despondence. "J'he Americans went into 
winter quarters when the month of December was 
far advanced. I'hese were chosen for the conve- 
nience of wood, water, and provisions, and with an 
eye to the protection of the country. To this end, 
the army was thrown into two grand divisions. 
The northern was put under the command of Gen.. 
Heath, and stationed with a view to the security 
of West Point, its dependences, and the adjacent 
country. The other retired to Morristown in 
New Jersc}'. In this situation, which was well 
calculated to secure the country to the southward 
of New York, Washington, with the principal di- 
vision of his army, took tlieir station for the win- 
ter. The season followmg their retirement, was 
uncommonly severe. The British in New York 
and Siaten island no longer enjoyed the security 
which their insular situation usually ail'orded. The 
former suliered from the want of fuel, and other 
supplies from the country. To add to their difli- 
cuities, Washington so dis])osed his troops as to 
give the greatest possible obstruction to the com- 
numication between the Britisli garrison, and such 
of the iniiabitants witliout their lines as were dis- 
posed to taipply their wants. This brought on a 



GEOItGR \Vy\STIINGTON. 117 

partisan war, in which individuals were killed, but 
without any national effect. Had Washiiiii^ton 
been supported as he desired, the weakness of the 
British army, in consecjuenee of their large de- 
tachments to the southward, in conjunction with 
the severity of the winter, would have given him 
an opportunity for indulging his native ap'ini of 
enterprise. But he durst not attempt any thing on 
a grand scale, for his army was^ot only mferior 
in number to that o[:>posed to him, init so destitute 
of clothing as to bu unequal to a winter canipiUgn. 



118 THE LIFE OF 



CHAPTER Vn. 



<iiMPAlGN OF 



Gen. Washington directs an expedition against Staten^sland Gives a& 

opinion against risking an armj' for the defence of Charleston, S. C. 

Finds great difficulty in supporting his array K;iiphausen invades 

Jersey^ but is prevented from injuring the American stores Mar- 
quis de la Fayette arrives, and gives assurances that a French fleet 
and army might soon be expected on the American coast Energet- 
ic measures of co-operation resolved upon, but so languidly executed, 
that "NVashington predicts the necessity of a more efficient system of 
national government A French fleet and army arrives, and a com- 
bined operation against New York is resolved upon, but the arrival Of 
a supei-ior British fleet, deranges the -whole plan. 



TiiK military establishment for the year 17#0, was 
nominally thirty five thousand; but these were 
not voted till the 9th, of February, and were not 
required to be in camp before the first of April 
following. Notwithstanding these embarrassments, 
the active mind of Washington looked round for 
an opportunity of deriving some advantage from 
the present exposed situation of his adversary. 
From recent intelligence, he supposed that an at- 
tack on about twelve hundred British, posted on 



GEORGE WASHINGTON, il9 

Staten Island, might be advantageou sly made, es- 
pcciall\ in its present state of union with the con- 
tinent, by an unbroken body of solid ice. The 
prospect of success depended on the chance of a 
surprise ; and if this failed, of reducing the ene- 
my, though retired within their fortifications, be- 
fore reinforcements could arrive from New York. 
The vigilance of the commanding officer prevent- 
ed the first; the latter could not be dc-pended on; 
for, contrary to the first received intelligence, the 
communication between the island and the city, 
though difficult, was practicable. The works were 
too strong for an assault, and relief too near to ad- 
mit the delays of a siege. Lord Stirling, with two 
thousand five hundred men, entered the island on 
the night of the 14th. of January. An alarm was 
instantly and generally communicated to the posts, 
and a boat despatched to New York to communi- 
cate intelligence, and to solicit aid. The Ameri- 
cans, after some slight skirmishes, seeing no pros- 
pect of success, and apprehcjisive that a reinforce- 
ment from New York might endanger their safety, 
very soon commenced their retreat. This was 
effected without any considerable loss ; but from 
the intenseness of the cold, and deficiency of warm 
clothing, several were frost bitten. 

Soon after this event, the siege of Charleston 
commenced, and was so vigorously carried on by 
Sir Henry Clinton, as to effect the siirrender of 
that place on the 12th. of May, 1780. Gen. 
Washington, at the distance of more than eight 
hundred miles, could have no personal agency in 
defending that most important southern mart. 



120 



THE LIFE or 



What was in his power was done, for he weaken- 
ed himself by detachi;ig from tile arni}^ under his 
own immediate command, the troops of Noilh 
Carolina, the new levies of Virginia, and the rem- 
nants of the southern cavalry. Though he had 
never been in Charleston, and was without any 
personal knowledge of its harbour, yet he gave an 
opinion respecting it, which evinced the sound- 
netis of his practic:;! judgment. In every other 
case, the defence of towns had been abandoned, 
so far as to risk no armies for that purpose ; but 
in Sou^h Carolina, Gen Lincoln, for reasons that 
were satisfactory to his superiors, adopted a differ- 
ent line of conduct. Four continental frigates were 
ordered to the defence of Charleston, and station- 
ed u'iiiiin its bar ; ynd a considerable state marine 
force co-opt rated with them. This new mode of 
defence was the iv.ore readily adop'^ed, on the gen- 
erally received idea, that this marine force could 
be so disposed of within the bar, as to make effec- 
tULil opposition to the British sliips attempting to 
cross it. In the course of the siege this was found 
to be impnicticable, and all ideas of disputing the 
passage of the bar were given up. This state of 
things being communicated by Lieut. Col. John 
Laurens to Gen. Washington, the General replied, 
" The impracticability of defending the bar, Ifear, 
amounts to the loss of the town and garrison. At 
this distance, it is impossible to judge for you. I 
have the greatest confidence in Gen. Lincoln's 
prudence ; but it really appears to me, that the 
propriety of attempting to defend the town, de- 
pended on the probability of defending the bar, 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



12i 



and that when thii ceased, the attempt ought to 
hare been relinquished. In this, however, I sus- 
pend a definitive judgment ; and wish you to con- 
sider what I say as confidential." The event cor- 
res{)onded with the General's predictions. I'he 
British vessels, after crossing tiie bar without op- 
position, passed the forts and took such a station 
in Cooper river, as, in conjunction with the land 
forces, made the evacuation of the town by the 
Americans impossible, and finally produced the 
surrender of their whole southern army. . 

When intelligence of this catastrophe readied 
the northern states, the American army was in the 
greatest distress. This had been often represent- 
ed to Congress, and was particularly stated to Gen. 
Sc;huyler in a letter from Gen. Washington, in the 
following words ; " Since the date of my last, we 
have had the virtue and patience of the army put 
to the severest trial. Sometimes it lias been five or 
six days together without bread ; atotiier times as 
many days without meat ; and once or twice two or 
three days without either. I hardly thought it pos- 
sible, at one period, that we should be able to keep 
it together, nor could it have been done, but for 
the exertions of the magistrates in the several coun- 
ties of this state, on whom I was obliged to call ; 
expose our situation to them ; and, in plain terms, 
declare that we were reduced to the alternative of 
disbanding or catering for ourselves, unless the in- 
habitants would afford us their aid. I allotted to 
each county a certain proportion of flour or grain, 
and a certain number of cattle, to be delivered on 
certain days ; and, for tht- honour of the magis- 
trates, and the good disposition of the people, I 
12 



122 l:UE LIFK 01- 

must add, that my requisitions were punctually 
complied with, and in many counties exceeded. 
Nothing but this great exertion could have saved 
the army from dissolution or starving, as we were 
bereft of every liope from the commissaries. At 
one time the soldiers eat every kind of horse food 
but hay. Buckwheat, common wheat, rye, and 
Indian corn, composed the meal which made their 
bread. As an army, they bore it with most hero- 
ic patience ; but sufferings like these, accontpani- 
ed by the want of clothes, blankets, &c. will pro- 
duce frequent desertion in all armies ; and so it 
happened with us, though it did not excite a sin- 
gle mutiny." 

The paper money with which the troops were 
paid, was in a state of depreciation daily increas- 
ing. The distresses from this source, though felt 
in 1778, and still more so in 1779, did not arrive 
to the highest pitch till the year 1780. Under the 
pressure of suiferings from this cause, the officers 
of the Jersey line addressed a memorial to their 
state legislature, setting forth " that four n^onths 
pay of a private, would not procure for his family 
a single bushel of wheat ; that the pay of a colonel 
would not purchase oats for his horse ; that a 
common labourer or express rider, received four 
times as much as an American officer." They 
urged that " unless a speedy and ample remedy 
was provided, the total dissolution of their line 
was inevitable." In addition to the insufficiency 
of iheir pay and support, other causes of discon- 
tent prevailed. The original idea of a continen- 
tal army to be raised, paid, subsisted, and regu- 
lated, upon an equal and uniform principle, had 



Gr.OUGE WASHINGTON. 



12/> 



been in a great meivsurc exchanged for state estab- 
lishments. Tiiis mischievous measure partly orig- 
inated from necessity ; for state credit was not 
quite so much depreciated as continental. Con- 
gress not possessing the means of supporting their 
army, devolved the business on the component 
parts of the confederacy. Some states, from tlieir 
internal ability and local advantages, furnished 
their troops not only with clothing, but with manjr 
conveniences. Others supplied them with some- 
necessaries, but on a more contracted scale. A 
few, from their particular situation, could do Ht- 
tle, or nothing at all. The officers and men in 
the routine of duty mixed daily, and compared 
circumstances. Those who fared worse than 
others, were dissatisfied with a service which made 
such injurious distinctions. From causes of this 
kind, superadded to a complication of wants and 
suflerings, a disposition to mutiny began to show 
itself in the American army. Very few of the 
officers were ricli. To make an appearance suit- 
able to their station, required an exnenditure of 
the little all which most of them possessed. TIic 
supplies from the public were so inade(|uatc as to 
compel frequent resignations. The officers of 
wliole lines announced their determination to quit 
the service. The personal influence of General 
^V'ashington was exerted with the oflicers in pre- 
venting their adoption of such ruinous me;isures, 
and with the states to remove t'ne causes which 
led to them. 

Soon after the surrender of the whole southern 
army, and at the moment the northern was in t!ie 
greatest distress for the necessaries of life, Gtn. 



124 



TflB LtFE OF 



Knipliausen passed from New York into New Jer- 
sey with five thousand men. These were soon re- 
inforced with a detachment of the victorious troops 
returned with Sir Henry CHnton from South Car- 
olina. It is difficult to tell what was the precise 
object of this expedition. Perhaps the ro3'al com- 
maviders hoj)cd to i?;et possession of Morristown, 
and destroy the American stores. Perhaps they 
liattcred themselves that the inhabitants, dispirited 
by the recent fall of Charleston, would submit 
without resistance ; and that the soldiers would 
desert to the ro}'al standard. Sundry movements 
took place on both' sides, and also smart skir- 
mishes, but without any decisive effect. At one 
time Washington conjectured that the destruction 
^of his stores was the object of the enemy ; at an- 
other, that the whole was a feint to draw off his 
attention, while they pushed up the North River 
from New York, to attack West Point. I'he 
American army was stationed with a view to both 
objects. The security of the stores was attended 
.to, and such a position taken, as would compel 
the British to fight under great disadvantages, if 
they risked a general action to get at them. The 
American General Howe, who commanded at the 
Highlands, was ordered to concentrate his force 
for the security of West Point ; and Washington, 
with the principal division of his army, took such 
a middle position, as enabled him either to fall • 
back to defend his stores, or to advance for the 
defence of West Point, as circumstances might 
require. The first months of the year were spt nt 
in these desultory operations. The disasters to 
tlie south produced no disposition in the north t(5 



UFCJKGE WASHINGTON. 125 

give up the contest ; but the tardiness of Congress 
and of the states ; the weakness of government, 
and the depreciation of the money, deprived Wash- 
ington of all means of attempting any thing be- 
yond defensive operations. 

In this state of languor Marquis de la Fayette 
arrived from France, with assurances that a French 
fleet and army might soon be expected on the 
coast. This roused the Americans from that leth- 
argy into which they seemed to be sinking. Re- 
quisitions on the states for men and money, were 
urged with uncommon earnestness. Washing- 
ton, in his extensive correspondence throughout 
the United States, endeavoured to stimulate the 
public mind to such exertions as the approaching 
crisis required. In addition to arguments form- 
erly used, he endeavoured on this occasion, by a 
temperate view of European politics, to convince 
his countrymen, of the real danger of their inde- 
pendence, if they neglected to improve the advan- 
tages they might obtain by a great and manly ef- 
fort, in conjunction with the succours expected 
from France. The resolutions of Congress for 
this purpose were slowly executed. The quotas 
assigned to the several states were by their respect- 
ive legislatures apportioned on the several coun- 
ties and towns. These divisions were again sub- 
divided into classes, and each class was called up- 
on to furnish a man. This predominance of state 
systems over those which were natioiial, was fore- 
seen and lamented by the commander in chief. 
In a letter to a member of the national legislature, 
he observed, " that unless Congress speaks in a 
more decisive tone ; unless they are vested with. 
12* 



126 



THE LIFE OF 



powers by tlie several states competent to the 
great purposes of the war, or assume them as mat- 
ttr of right, and they and the states respectively 
act with more energy than hitherto, they have done ; 
our cause is lost. We can no longer drudge on 
in the old way. By ill timing the adoption of 
measuTfS ; by delays in the execution of them, or 
by unwarrantable jealousies, we incur enormous 
expenses, and derive no benefit. One state will 
comply with a requisition from Congress ; another 
neglects to do it ; a third executes it by halves ; 
and all differ in the manner, the matter, or so much 
in point of time, that we are always working up 
hill ; and while such a system as the present one, 
or rather want of one, prevails, we ever shall be 
unable to apply our strength or resources to any 
advantage. 

" I'his, my dear sir, is plain language to a mem- 
ber of Congress ; but it is the language of truth 
and friendship. It is the result of long thinking, 
close application, and strict observation. I see one 
head gradually changing into thirteen ; I see one 
army branching into thirteen ; and, instead of 
looking up to Congress as the supreme controlling 
power of the United Slates, considering themselves 
as dependent on their respective states. In a 
word, I see the power of Congress declining too 
fast for the consequence and respect which are duq 
to them as the great representative body of Amer- 
ica, and am fearful of the consequences." 

From the en;barrassments which cramped the 
operations of Washington, a partial temporary re- 
lief was obtained from private sources. When 
Congress could iieither coiinuand money nor cred- 



GEORGE WASHINGTOX, 127 

it for the subsistence of their army, the citizens of 
Philadelphia formed an association to procure a 
supply of necessary articles for their suffering sold- 
iers. The sum of three hundred thousand dollars 
was subscribed in a few days, and converted into a 
bank, the principal design of which was to pur- 
chase provisions for the troops in the most prompt 
and efficacious manner. The advantages of this 
institution were gieat, and particularly enhanced 
by the critical time in which it was instituted. 

The ladies of Philadelphia, about the same time, 
subscribed large donations for the immediate re- 
Jief of the suffering soldiers. These suppli-es, 
though liberal, v/ere far short of a sufficiency for 
the army. So late as the 20th. of June, Gen. 
Washington informed Congress that he still hi- 
boured under the piiinful and humiliating embar- 
rassment of having no shirts to deliver to the 
trQops, many of vvhom were absolutely destitute 
of that necessary article ; nor were they much bet- 
ter supplied with summer overalls. " For the 
troops to be without clothing at any time, he add- 
ed, is highly injurious to the service, and distress- 
ing to our feelings ; but the want will be more pe- 
culiarly mortifying when tlicy come to act with 
those of our allies. If it be possible, I have no 
doubt immediate measures v.'ill be taken to relieve 
their distress. 

*' It is also most sincerely to be wished that there 
could be some supplies of clothing furnished to 
the officers. There are a great many whose con- 
dition is miserable. This is, in some instances, 
the case with whole lines. It would be well for 
their own &akes, and for the public good, if they 



128 - riiK UFK or 

could be furnished. They will not be able, when 
our friends eonie, to co-operate with us, to go on 
a common routine of duty ; and if they should, 
they must from their appearance be held in low 
estimation." 

The complicated arrangements for raising and 
supporting the American army, which was voted 
for the campaign, were so tardily executed that 
when the summer was far advanced, Washington 
was uninformed of the force on which he might 
rely ; and of course could not fix on any certain 
plan of operations for the combined armies. In 
a letter to Congress he expressed his embarrass- 
ment in the following words ; " The season is 
come when we have every reason to expect the 
arrival of the Reet ; and yet for want of this point 
of primary conseciuence, it is impossible for me to 
form a system of co-operation. I have no basis 
to act upon, and of course were this generous suc- 
coiu- of our ally now to arrive, I should find my- 
self in the most awkward, embarrassing, and pain- 
ful situation. The General and the Admiral, as 
soon as tncy approach our coast, will recjuire of 
me a plan of the measures to be pursued, and there 
ouglit of riglit to be one prepared ; but circum- 
stanced as 1 am, I cannot even give them conjec- 
tures. From these eonsulerations I yesterday sug- 
gested to the committee the indispensable necessi- 
ty of their writing again to the states, urging them 
to give immediate and precise information of the 
measures they have taken, and of the result. The 
interest of tiic states ; the honour and reputation 
of our councils ; the justice and gratitude due to 
our alliesj all require that I siiould without delay 



GKOHfiK WASIITXGTON'. 



129 



be enabled to asccrtiiin and inform them what we 
can or cannot undertake. There is a point which 
ouglit now to be determined, on the success of 
which all our future operations may depend ; on 
which, for want of knowing our prospects, 1 can 
make no decision. For fear of involving the fleet 
and army of our allies in circumstances which 
would expose them, if not seconded by us, to ma- 
terial inconvenience and hazard, 1 shall be com- 
pelled to suspend it, and the delay may be fatal to 
our hopes." 

In this state of uncertainty, Washington medi- 
tated by night and day on the various contingen- 
ces which were probable. He revolved the pos- 
sible situations in which the contending armies 
might be placed, and endeavoured to prej^are for 
every plan of combined operations which future 
contingent events migiit render advisable. 

On the lOth. of July the expected French fleet 
and army appeared on the coast of Rhode Island. 
The former consisted of seven sail of the line, five 
frigates, and live smaller vessels. The latter of 
six thousand men. The Chevalier 'lYrney and 
Count Rochambeavi, who commanded the fleet 
and army, immediately transmitted to Gen. Wash- 
ington an account of their arrival, of their strength, 
their expectations, and orders. At that time not 
more than one thousand men had joined the Amer- 
ican army. A commander of no more than com- 
mon firmness, would have resigned his commis- 
sion in disgust, for not being supported by his 
country. Very diflcrent was the hne of conduct 
adopted by Washington. Trusting that the jiroia- 
ised support would be forwarded widi all possible 



13© iTtE LIFE Qh\ 

despatch, he sent on to the French commanders 
by the Marquis de la Fayette, definite proposals 
for commencing the siege of New York. Of this 
he gave information to Congress in a letter, in the 
following words ; " Pressed on all sides by a 
choice of difficulties, in a moment which required 
decision, I have adopted that line of conduct which 
comported with the dignity and faith of Congress, 
the reputation of these states, and the honour of 
©ur arms. I have sent on definitive proposals of 
co-operation to the French General and Admiral. 
Neither the period of the season, nor a regard to 
decency, would permit delay. The die is cast ; 
and it remains with the states either to fulfil their 
engagements, preserve their credit, and support 
their independence, or to involve us in disgrace 
and defeat. Notwithstanding the failures pointed 
out by the committee, I shall proceed on the sup- 
position that they will ultimately consult their own 
interest and honour, and not suffer us to fail for 
the want of means, which it is evidendy in their 
power to afibrd. What has been done, and is do- 
ing by some of the states, confirms the opinion I 
have entertained, of sufficient resources In the coun- 
try. Of the disposition of the people to submit to 
any arrangement for bringing them forth, I see no 
reasonable ground to doubt. If v.-e fail for want 
of proper exertions in any of tlie governments, I 
trust the responsibility will fall where it ought, and 
that I shall stand justified to Congress, my coun- 
try, and the world." 

The iitih of the next month, August, was nam- 
cd as the day when the French troops should em- 
bark, and the American army assemble in Mot- 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 131 

risanja, for the purpose of commencing their com- 
bined ojjeratioas. Very soon after the arrival of 
the French fleet, Adtniral Greaves reinforced the 
British naval force in the harbour of New York, 
with six ships of the line. Hitherto the French 
had a naval superiority. Without it, all prospect 
of success in the proposed attack on New York 
was visionary ; but this being suddenly and unex- 
pectedly reversed, the plan for combined opera- 
tions became eventual. The British Admiral hav- 
ing now the superiority, proceeded to Rhode Isl- 
and to attack the French in that quarter. He soon 
discovered that the French were perfectly secure 
from any attack by sea. Sir Henry Clinton, who 
had returned in the preceding month with his vic- 
torious troops from Charleston, embarked about 
eight thousand of his best men, and proceeded as 
far as Huntingdon Bay, on Long Island, with the 
apparent design of concurring with the British 
fleet in attacking the Frencli force at Rhode Island. 
When this movement took place, Washington set 
his army in motion, and proceeded to Peekskill. 
Had Sir Henry Chnton prosecuted what appeared 
to be his design, Washington intended to have at- 
tacked New York in his absence. Preparations 
were made for this purpose, but Sir Henry Clin- 
ton instantly turned about from Huntingdon Bay 
toward New York. 

In the mean time, the French fleet and army 
being blocked up at Rhode Island, were incapac- 
itated from co-operating with the Americans. 
Hopes were nevertheless indulged, that by the ar- 
rival of another fleet of his Most Christian Majes- 
ty, then ill the West Indies, under the command 



132 tHE LIFE OF 

of Count de Guichen, the superiority would be so 
much in favour of the allies, as to enable them to 
prosecute their original intention of attacking New 
York. When the expectations of the Americans 
were raised to the highest pitch, and when they 
were in great forwardness of preparation to act in 
concert with their allies, intelligence arrived that 
Count de Guichen had sailed for France. This 
disappointment was extremely mortifying. 

Washington still adhered to his purpose of at- 
tacking New York at some future more favoura- 
ble period. On this subject he corresponded with 
the French commanders, and had a perbonal inter- 
view with them on the twenty first of September, 
at Hartford. The arrival of Adinirai Rodney on 
the American coast, a short time after, with eleven 
ships of the line, disconcerted for that season, all 
the plans of the allies. Washington felt with in- 
finite regret, a succession of abortive projects 
throughout the campaign of 1780. In that }ear, 
and not before, he had indulged the hope of hap- 
pily terminating the war. In a letter to a frit ltd, 
he wrote as follows ; " We are now drawing to a 
close an inactive campaign, the beginning of which 
appeared pregnant with events of a very favoura- 
ble complexion. I hoped, but I hoped in vain, 
that a prospect was opening which would enable 
me to fix a period to my military pursuits, and re- 
store me to domestic life, 'i'he favourable dispo- 
sition of Spain ; the promised succour from France ; 
the combined force in the West Indies ; the dec- 
laration ol Russia, acceded to by other powers of 
Europe, huniiiiating ilie naval pride and power of 
Great Britain ; the superiority of France and Spain 



! . KOIIKE WASUIXGTOX. 



133 



by sea, in Europe^ the Irish claims, and English 
disturbances, formed in the aggregate an opinion 
in my breast, which is not very susceptible of 
peaceful dreams, that the hour of deliverance vi^as 
not far distant ; for that, however unwilling Great 
Britain might be to yield the point, it would not 
be in her power to continue the contest. But, 
alas ! these prospects, flattering as they M^ere have 
proved delusory ; and I see nothing before us 
but accumulating distress. We have been half 
of our time without provisions, and are likely to 
continue so. We have no magazines, nor money 
to form them. We have lived upon expedients 
until we can live no longer. In a word, the histo- 
ry of the war is a history of false hopes and tern-* 
porary devices, instead of system and economy. 
It is in V lin, however, to look back ; nor is it our 
business to do so. Our case is not desperate, if 
virtue exists in the people, and there is wisdom 
among our rulers. But, to suppose that this great 
revolution can be accomplished by a temporary 
army ; that this army will be subsisted by state 
supplies ; and that taxation alone is adequate to 
our wants, is, in my opinion, absurd." 



134 



I'HE LlFli OK 



CHAPTER VIII. 



CAMPAIGN OF 1781. 



'he Pennsylvania line njutinies The Jersey troops follow theii- exam- 
ple, but are quell id by decisive measures... .Gen. Washington com- 
mences a military journal, <lelai!ing the wants and distresses of his ar- 
my Is invited to the defence of his native state, Virginia, but de- 
clines Reprimands the manager of his private estate for furnishing 

the enemy with supplies, to prevent the destruction of his property. 1 
E.xtinguishes the incipient flames of a civil war, respecting the inde- i 

pendence of the sl:<ie of ^"erulO!ll Plans a C(jmbincd operation — I 

agsinst the Bi-itisii, and tiepules Lieut. ( '(j1 Jfiliii Laurens to solicit ■] 
the co-operation of the French — I'he combined forces of both na- I 
tions rendezvous in the Chesiipeak, and take lord Cornwallis and his 
army prisoners of war ... ^Vasliin-rlon returns to tlie vicinity of Ne« 
York, and urges the necessity of preparing for a new campaign. 



The year 1780 ended in the northern states with 
disappointment, and the year 1781 commenced 
with mutiny. In the night of the first of January 
about thirteen hundred of the Pennsylvania line pa- 
raded under arms in their encampment, near Mor- 
ristown, avowing a determination to march to the 
seat of Congress, and obtain a redress of their 



GEORG E W ASniXGTON. 



135 



grievances, without whicli they would serve no 
lunger. The exertions of Gen. Wayne and the 
-other officers to quell the mutiny, were in vain. 
The whole body marched off with six field pieces 
toward Prmceton. They stated their demands in 
writing ; which were, a discharg-e to all who had 
served three years, an immediate payment of all 
that was due to them, and that future pay should 
be made in real money to all who remained in the 
service. Their officers, a committee of Congress, 
and a deputation from the executive council of 
Pennsylvania, endeavoured to effect an accommo- 
dation ; but the mutineers resolutely refused all 
terms, of which a redress of their grievances was 
not the foundation. 

To their demands as founded in justice, the civil 
authority of Pennsylvania substantially yielded. 
Intelligence of this mutiny was communicated to 
Gen. Washington at New Windsor, lx.rore any 
accommodation had taken place. Though he had 
been long accustomed to decide in hazardous and 
difficult situations, yet it was no easy matter in 
this delicate crisis, to determine on the most prop- 
er course to be pursued. His personal influence 
had several times extinguished rising mutinies. 
The first scheme that presented itself was, to re- 
pair to the camp of the mutineers, and try to re- 
call them to a sense of their duty ; but on ma- 
ture reflection this was declined. He well knew 
that their claims were founded in justice, but he 
could not reconcile himself to wound the disci- 
pline of his army, by yielding to their demands 
while they were in open revolt with arms in their 
hands. He viewed the subject in all its relations, 



iSG 



L!iE LlIE Ol- 



and was well apprised diat die principal grounds .- 
of discontent were not peculiar to the Pennsylvania ' 
line, but common to all his troops. ■ 

If force was requisite, he had none to spare with- ?|| 
out hazarding West Point. If concessions were ' 
unavoidable, they had better be made by any per- 
:son than the commander in chief. After that due 
deliberation which he ahvays gave to matters of' 
importance, he determined against a personal in- 
terference, and to leave the whole to the civil au- 
thorities, which had already taken it up ; but at the 
same time prepared for those measures which 
would become necessary, if no accommodation took 
place. This resolution was communicated to Gen. 
Wayne, witli a caution to regard the situation of 
the other lines of the army in any concessions which 
might be made, and whh a recommendation to 
draw the mutineers over the Delaware, with a view 
to increase the diflirulty of communicating with 
llic enemy in New York. 

The dangerous policy of yielding even to the 
just demands of soldiers with arms in their hands, 
soon became apparent. The success of the Penn- 
S3'lvania line iriduced a part of that of New Jersey- 
to hope for similar advantages, from similar con- -j 
duct. A part of the Jersey brigade rose in arms, | 
and making the same claims which had been. yield- j 
ed to the Pennsylvanians, marched to Chatham. \ 
Washington, who was far from being pleased with | 
the issue of the mutiny in the Pennsylvania line, 
determined by strong measures to stop the prog- 
ress of a spirit which was hostile to all his hopes. 
Gen. Howe, witli a detachment of the eastern 
troops, was immediately ordered to march again- * 



(JF.OKGE washin(;tox. 



137 



the mutineers, and instructed to make no terms 
with them while they were in a state of resistance ; 
and on their surrender to seize a few of the most 
active leaders, and to execute them immediately 
in the presence of thtir associates. These orders 
were obeyed ; two of the ringleaders were shot, 
and the survivers returned to their duty. 

Though Washington adopted these decisive 
measures, yet no man was more sensible of the 
merits and sufferings of his army, and none more 
active and zealous in procurmg them justice. He 
in>proved the late events, by writing circular let- 
ters to the states, urging them to prevent all future 
causes of discontent by fulfilling their engagements 
with their respective lines. Some good effects 
wcvii prodnced, but only temporary, and far short 
of the well founded claims of the army. Their 
wants with respect to provisions were only par- 
tially supplied, and by expedients, from one short 
time to another. The most usual was ordering 
an officer to seize on provisions wherever found. 
This differed from robbing only in its being done 
,by authority for the public service, and in the offi- 
cer being always directed to give the proprietor a 
certificate of the quantity and quality of what was 
taken from him. At first, some reliance was 
placed on these certificates, as vouchers to sup- 
port a future demand on the United States ; but 
they soon became so common as to be of little 
value. Recourse was so frequently had to coer- 
cion, both legislative and military, that the people 
not §nly lost confidence in public credit, but be- 
came impatient under all exertions of authority 
13* 



138 



rilE LITE Oi' 



for forcing their property from them. About thi 
time Gen. Washington was obliged to apply mm 
thousand dollars sent by the state of Massachu- 
setts, for the payment of her troops, to the use of 
the Quarter Master's department, to enable him to 
transport provisions from the adjacent states. Be- 
fore he consented to adopt this expedient, he had 
consumed every ounce of provision which had 
been kept as a reserve in the garrison of West 
Point, and had strained impress by military force 
to so great an extent, that there was reason to ap- 
prehend the inhabitants, irritated by such frcquewt 
calls, wonld proceed to dangerous insurrections. 
Fort Schuyler, West Point, and the posts up the 
North River, were on the point of being abandon- 
ed by their starving garrisons. At this period 
there was little or iio circulating medium, either 
in the form of paper or specie, and in the neigh- 
bourhood of die American army, there was a real 
want of necessary provisions. The deficiency of 
the former occasioned many inconveniences, but 
the insufficiency of the latter had well nigh dis- 
solved the army, and laid the country in every di- 
rection open to British excursions. 

On the first of May, 1781, Gen. Washington 
commenced a military journal. The following 
statement is extracted from it. " I begin at this 
epoch a concise journal of military transactions, 
&c. I lament not having attempted it from the 
commencement of the war, in aid of my memory ; 
and wish the multiplicity of matter which contin- 
ually surrounds me, and the embarrassed staie of 
our afiairs, which is momentarily calling the at- 
tention to perplexities of one kind or another. 



GEORGE WASIIINGTOK. 139 

may not defeat altogether, or so interrupt my 
present intention and plan, as to render it of little 
avail. 

p. " To have the clearer understanding of the en- 
tries which may follow, it would be proper to 
recite in detail, our wants and our prospects ; but 
this alone would be a work of much time and 
great magnitude. It may suffice to give the sum 
of them, which I shall do in k\v words; viz. 

" Instead of having magazines filled with pro- 
visions, we have a scanty pittance scattered here 
and there in the distant states. 

" Instead of having our arsenals well supplied 
with military stores, they are poorly provided, 
and the workmen all leaving them.* Instead of 
having the various articles of field equipage in 
readiness, the Quarter Master General is but now 
applying to the several states to provide these 
things for their troops respectively. Instead of 
having a regular system of transportation estab- 
lished upon credit, or funds in the Quarter Mas- 
ter's hands to defray the contingent expenses 
thereof, we have neither the one nor the other ; 
and- all that business, or a great part of it, being 
done by impressment, we are daily and hourly 
oppressing the people, souring their lenipers, and 
alienating their aftections. Instead of hi.ving the 
regiments completed agreerible to the requisitions 
of Congress, scarce any state in the union has at 
this hour one eighth part of its quota in the field, 
and there is little prospect of ever getting more 
than half In a word, instead of having any thing 
in readiness to take the field, we have nothing ; 
and, instead of having the prospect^of a glorious 



140 



THE LIFE OF 



offensive campaign before us, we have a bewildci 
ed and gloomy piospect of a defensive one ; unless 
we should receive a powerful aid of ships, troops, 
and money, from our generous allies, and these ajLu 
present are too contingent to build upon." 

While the Americans were suffering the com- 
plicated calamines which introduced the year 1781, . 
their adversaries were ciirrying on the most exteii- 1[ 
sive plan of operarions ag.iist them v.hich had.'i 
ever been attempted. It had often been objected |j 
to the British commanders, that they had not con- | 
ducted the war in the manner most likely to effect 1 
the subjugation of the revolted provinces. Mil- j 
itary cri;ics found fault with them for keeping a 1 
large army idle at New York, which, they said, 
if properly applied, would have been sufficient to 
make successful impressions at one and the same 
time on several of the states. ' The British seem 
to have calculsted the campaign of 1781, with a 
view to make an experiment of the comparative 
merit of tliis mode of conducting military opera- 
tions. The war raged in tiiat year not only m the 
vicniity of the British liead quarters at New York, 
but in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, 
and in Vuginia. 

In this extensive warfare, Washington could 
have no i : nu diate agency in the southern depart- 
ment. Hi-) aclxice in corresponding with the offi- 
cers comniaiidiiig in Virginia, the Carolinas, and 
Georgia, was freely and beneficially given; and 
as large detach agents sent to their aid as could be 
spared eons'stently with the security of VWst 
Poin*. 'n couincting the war, his invariable max- 
im was, to buiier the devastation of property, rath- 



tiLOllC.E WASHINGTON. 141 

cr than hazard great and essential objects for its 
preservation. While the war raged in Virginia, 
the Governor thereof, its representatives in Con- 
gress, and other influential citizens, urged his re- 
turn to the defence of his native state. But, con- 
sidering America as his country, and the general 
safety as his object, he deemed it of more impor- 
tance to remain on the Hudson ; tlvjre he was not 
only securing the most important post in the Unit- 
ed States, but concerting a grand plan of combin- 
ed operations, which, as shall soon be related, not 
only delivered Vn^giuia, but all the states, fromi 
the calamities of the war. 

In Washington's disregard of property when in 
competition with national objects, he was in no 
respect partial to his own. While the British 
were in the Potowmac, they sent a flag on shore 
to Mount Vernon, his private estate, requiring a 
supply of fresh provisions. Refusals of such de- 
mands were often followed by burning the houses 
and other property near the river. To prevent 
this catastrophe, the person intrusted with the 
management of the estate, went on board with the 
flag, and carrying a supply of provisions, request- 
ed that the buildings and improvements might be 
spaied. For this he received a severe reprimand 
in a letter to him, in which the General observed; 
" That it would have been a less painful circum- 
stance to me to have heard, that, in consequence 
of your noncompliance with the request of the 
British, tlvjy had burnt my house, and' laid my 
plantcition in ruins. You ought to have consider- 
ed yourself as my repicstntative, and should have 
reflected on the bad example of communicating 



142 riiK LIFE OF 

with the enemy, and making a voluntary offer of 
refresliment to them, with a view to prevent a con- 
flagration." 

To the other difficuhies with which Washing- 
ton had to contend in the preceding years of the 
war, a new one was about this time added. While 
the whole force at his disposal was unequal to the 
defence of the country against the common enemy, 
a civil war was on the point of breaking out among 
his leliow citizens. The claims of the inhabitants 
of Vermont to be a separate indeperident state, 
and of the state of New York, to their country, as 
within its chartered limits, together with open 
offers from the Ro^al Commanders to establish 
and defend them as a British province, produced 
a s<.rious crisis, which called for tlic interference 
of the American chief. This was the more nec- 
essary, as the governments of New York and of 
Vermont were both resolved on exercising a juris- 
diction over the same people and the same terri- 
tory. Congress, wishing to compromise the con- 
troversy on middle ground, resolved, in August, 
17rtl, to accede to the independence of Vermont 
on certain conditions, and within certain specified 
limits, which they supposed would satisfy both 
parties. Contrary to their expectations, this me- 
diatorial act of the national legislature was rejected 
by Vermont, and yet was so disagreeable to the 
legislature of New York as to draw from them a 
spirited protest against it. Vermont complained 
that Congress interfered in their internal police ; 
New York viewed the resolve as a virtual dis- 
memberment of their state, winch was a constitu- 
ent part of the coniederacy. Washington, anxious 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



143 



for the peace of the union, sent a message to 
Chittenden, (jovernor of Vermont, desiring to 
know "what were the real designs, views, and 
intentions, of the people of Vermont ; whether 
they would be satisfied with the independence 
proposed by Congress, or had it seriously in con- 
templation to join with the enemy, and become a 
British province." The Governor returned an 
unequivocal answer ; " that there were no people 
on the continent more attached to the cause of 
America than the people of Vermont ; but they 
were fully determined not to be pnt under the 
government of New York ; that thcv would op- 
pose this by force of arras, and would join with 
the British in Canada rather than to submit to that 
government." While both slates were dissatisfied 
with Congress, and tb.eir animosities, from increas- 
ing violence and . irritation, became daily more 
alarming, Wasliington, aware of the extremes to 
which all ^rtics were tending, returned an answer 
to Gov. Chiitcnden, in which were these expres- 
sions. " It i:> not my bubiness, neither do I think 
it necessary now to discnss the origin of the right 
of a number of inhabitants to that tract of country 
fortnerly distinguished by the name of the New 
Hampshire grants, and now known by that of 
Vermont. I will take it for granted that their 
riglit was good, because Congress by their resolve 
of the 7iii. iVugust, imply it, and by that of the 
21st. are willing fully to confirm it, provided the 
new state is confined to certain described bounds. 
It appears therefore to me, that the dispute of 
boundary is the only one that exists ; ai^that be- 
ing removed, all other difficulties would be remov- 



144 THE LIFE or 

ed also, and the matter terminated to the satisfac- 
tion of all parties. You have nothing; to do but-, 
withdraw your jurisdiction to the confines of your ' 
old limits, and obtain an acknowledgment of inde- 
pendence and sovereignty, under the resolve of 
the 21st. of August, for so much territory as does 
not interfere with the ancient established bounds 
of New York, New Hampshire, and Massachu- 
setts. In my private opinion, while it behooves 
the delegates to do ample justice to a body of 'l 
people sufficiently respt^ctable by their numbers, ^ 
and entitled by other claims to be admitted into 
that confederation, it becomes them also to attend 
to the interests of their constituents, an4 see tha|||| 
under tlie appearance of justice to one, they do no^ 
materially injure the rights of others. I am apt • 
to think this is the prevailing opinion of Con- 
gress." 

The impartiality, moderation, and good sense, 
of this letter, together with a full convidKon of the 
disinterested patriotism of the wiiter, brought 
round a revolution in the minds of the legislature 
of Vermont ; and they acctpted the propositions 
of Congress, though tliey liad rejected them four 
months before. A truce among the contending 
parties followed, and the storm blew over. Thus 
the personal influence of one man, derived from j 
his pre-eminent virtues and tiieritonoiis services, ^ 
extinguished the sparks of civil discord at the 
time they were kindling into flame.* 

* For more particulars, see Williams's Historv of Vermont ; a work 
•wliicli, for itiPhperior mt-rit, deserves a place in cver\ Libi-ary. If the 
Author had becu an European, tliis would probabl/ have beeu the case 



GEORGE WASHINGTON-. 145 

ThoTioli in conducting* the American war, Gen. 
Wa siiia,ijjtoa often acted on the Fabian system, by 
evacLiuing, retreatiiu^, and avoiding decisive en- 
gao;enients; yet this was much more the result of 
necessity than of choice. His uuifonn opinion 
was in favour of energetic offensive operations, as 
the most effectual means of bringing the war to a 
termination. On this j^rinciple he planned at- 
tacks in almost every year on some or other of the 
British armies or strong posts in the United States. 
He endeavoured, from year to year, to stimulate 
the public mind to some great operation ; but 
was never properly supported. In the years 1778, 
1779, and '1780, the projected combined opera- 
tions with the French, as has been related, entire- 
ly miscarried. The idea of ending the war by 
some decisive militiny exploit, continuallv occu- 
pied his active mind. To ensure success, an-.val 
superiority on the coast, and a loan of money, u'ere 
indi>pens.'.b}y necessary. The last was pariicuiar- 
I\- so in the year 1731 ; for the resources oi the 
United States were then so reduced, as to be une- 
qual to the support of their army, or even to the 
transportation of it to aiiy distant scene of acclon. 
To obtain these necessary aids, it was dctermi^i d 
to send an envoy extraordinary to the court of 
Versailles. Lieut. Col. John Laurens was select- 
ed for this purpose. He w:is in every respect 
quilified for the important mi:3sioi». In addition 
to the most engaging personal address, his con- 
nexion with the commander in chief, as one of his 

soon after liis enlightened philosopliu-al H'story iiad crossed the Atlarti**, 
ji'ail made its appearance lu tlie United States. 

14 



146 XJIE LIFE OF 

aids, gave him an opportunity of being intimately 
acquainted with the military capacities and weak- 
nesses of his country. These were also particu- 
larly detailed in the form of a letter to him from 
Gen. Washington. This was written when the 
Pennsylvania line was in open revolt. Among 
other interesting matters it stated, " That the ef- 
forts already made by the United States exceeded 
the natural ability of the country ; and that any 
revenue they were capable of making would leave 
a large surplus to be supplied by credit; that ex- 
perience had proved the impossibility of support- 
ing a paper system without funds, and that domestic 
loans could not be effected, because there were 
few men of monied capital in the United States ; 
that from necessity recourse had been had to mil- 
itary impressments for supporting the army, which, 
if conti:\ued longer, or urged farther, would proba- 
bly disgust the people, and bring round a revolu- 
tion of public sentiment. 

" That the relief procured by these violent 
means was so inadequate, that the patience of the 
army v/as exhausted, and their discontents had 
broke out in serious and alarniing mutinies ; that 
the relief necessary was not within the power of 
the United States ; and that from a view of all 
circumstances, a loan of money was absolutely 
necessary for reviving public credit, and giving 
vigour to future operations." It was farther stat- 
ed, "that next to a loan of money, a French naval 
superiority in the American seas was of so much 
(Consequence, that without it nothing decisive 
Qould be undertaken against tiie British, wiio were 
ill the e;reatest force on and near the coasts." 



GEORGE WASIIIXGTON. 



14: 



The future capacities of the United States to 
repay any loan that might be made, were partic- 
uhirly stated ; and tliat " tliere was still a fund 
of resource and inclination in the country equal 
to great exertions, providcel a hberal supply of 
money would furnish the means of stepping the 
progress of disgust which resulted from the un- 
popular mode of supplying the army by requisi- 
tion and impressment." 

Such interesting statements, sanctioned by the 
American chief, aiul enforced by the address of 
Col. Laurens, directly from the scene of action., 
and the influence of Dr. Franklin, who, for the 
five preceding years, had been minister plenipo- 
tentiary from the United States to the court of 
Versailles, produced the desired effect. His 
Most Christian Majesty gave his American allies 
a subsidy of six millions of livres, and became 
their security for ten millions more, borrowed for 
their use in the Uniied Netherlands. A naval co- 
operation was promised, and a conjunct expedi- 
tion against their common foes projected. 

'i'he Ameiican war was now so far involved in 
the consequences of naval operalioris, that a su- 
perior French fleet seemed to be the hirgc on 
which it was likely soon to take a favourable turn. 
The Britisli army being parcelled in the diflercnt 
seapoits of the Uniied States, any division of it, 
blocked up by a French fleet, could not long r-e- 
sist the superior combined force which might be 
bi'onght to operate against it. The Marquis de 
C.istries, who directed the ifiaii'., <>[ France witli 
great precision, CuicuiaLcd the naval force which 



148 



THE LIFE OF 



the Britihh could concentre on the coast of the 
United Slates, and disposed his own in such a 
manner as ensured him a supeiiorit}'. In coa- 
formity to these principles, and in subseiA iencv to 
the desic;n of the canipaiLni, M. de Grasse sailed 
in INiarcl-, 1781, from Brest, with twenty five sail 
cf the line, several thousand land forces, and a 
large eonvc}- arr.ounting; to more than two hun- 
dred ships. A tniall part of this force was des- 
tined :<:; li^e I'^a^l Indies ; but M. de Grasse with 
the s^i cater pai t sailed for Martinique. 

I'he i3ritish fieet then in the West Indies had 
b'.en previously weakened by the departure of a 
squadron for the protection of the ships wl ich 
were employed m carrying to England the booty 
which had been trken at Sr. FAistatius. The 
I rri-h Admirals Hood and Drake were detached 
te . . . .rpt the outward bound French fleet, com- 
n.a.iacd by M. de Cirasse; but a junction bc- 
t\veen his foi :c and eight ships of the line, and 
ore of fifty guns, v%hich were previously at Mar- 
tinique and St. Domiiigo, was nevertheless effect- 
ed. By this combination of fresh ships from Eu- 
rope, with the French fleet previously in the West 
Indies, they had a decided sujwiority. M. de 
G';:sse ^iu^■i^g finished liis business in the West 
L.^.i.es, s,."ikd in tlie beginning of August with a 
piOCi^!;;i(jus convey. Afier seciMgthis out of dan- 
ger, I'.e divucicel his course for the Chesapeak, 
and arrived there on the thirtieth of the same 
monih. Five days before his arrival in the Ches-' 
apeak, the French fleet in Riiode Island sailed 
for the same place. These fleets, notwithstanding 



GEOUGE WASHINGTON. 149 

their original distance from the scene of action, 
and from each other, coincided in their operations 
in an extraordmary manner, far be} ond the reach 
of mihtary calculation. They all tended to one 
object, and at one and the same time ; and tliat 
object was neither known nor suspected by the 
British, till the proper season for counteraction 
was elapsed. 

This coincidence of favourable circumstances 
extended to the marches of the American and 
French land forces. The plan of operations had 
been so well digested, and was so faithfully exe- 
cuted by the difierent commanders, that Gen. 
Washington and Count Rochambeau had passed 
tlie British head quarters in New York, and were 
considerably advanced in their way to Yorktown, 
before Count de Grasse had reached tlie Ameri- 
can coast. This was effected in the following 
manner ; Mons. de Barras, appointed to the com- 
mand of the French squadron at New Port, ar- 
rived at Boston with despatches for Count de Ro- 
chambeau. An interview soon after took place 
at Weathersfield, between Generals Washington, 
Knox, and du Portail, on the part of the Ameri- 
cans, and Count de Rocharnbeau and the Cheva- 
lier Chastelleux, on the part of the French. At 
this interview an eventual plan of the whole cam- 
paign was fixed. This was to lay siege to New 
York, in concert with a French fleet, which was 
to arri\e on the coast in the moiith of August. 
It was agreed that the French troops should march 
toward the North River. Letters were addressi d 
by Gen. Washington to the executive officers of 
New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Conuccticut,aajJ 
14-* 



si 50 - THE LIFE Of 

New Jersey, requiring them to fill up their f:)attal- 
ions, and to have their quotas of six thousand two 
hundred militia in readiness within a week of the 
time they might be called for. Conformably to 
these outlines of the campaign, the French troops 
marclud from Rhode Island in June, and early in 
the following; month joined the American army. 
At the same time Washington marched his army 
from their \vinter encampment near Peekskill to the 
viciiiity of Kingsbridge. Gen. Lincoln fell down 
the North River with a detachment in boats, and took 
possess/ion of tb.e ground where Fort Independence 
formerly stood. An attack was made upon him, j 
but was soon discontinued. The British about this ' 
time retired v/iih almost the whole of their force 
to York Island. Washington hoped to be able to 
commence operations against Ktw York about the 
raiddle, or at farthest tlie latter end of July. Flat 
bottomed boats sufficient to transport five thousand 
men v.-ere built ne ir Albany, and brougiit down 
ihe North River to thentighbourhood of the Amer- 
ican army before New \'oi k. Ovens wei'e erected 
opposite to Staten Island for the use of the Fren-. h 
troops. Every movement introductory to the com- 
mencement of the siege w'as made. To the grei'.t 
mortification of Washington, he four.d himself on 
the 2d. of August, to be only a few^ hundreds strong- 
er than he was on the day his army first moved 
from their winter quarters. To have fixed on a 
plan of operations with a foreign officer at the head 
of a respectable force ; to have brought that force 
f?om a considerable distance in confident expecta- 
tion of reinforcements sufficiently large to com- 
mence effective operations against the commoii 



GEORGE WASHlXXTON, 151 

enemy ; and at the same time to have engagements 
in behalf of the states violated in direct opposi- 
tion to their own interest, and in a manner derog- 
atory to his personal honour, was enough to have 
excited storms and tempests in any mind less 
cahii than that of Gen. \\ ashington. He bore 
this hard trial with his usual magnanimity, and 
contented himself with repeating his requisitions 
to the states ; and at the same time urged them 
by every tie to enable him to fulfil engagements 
entered into on their account with the commander 
of the French troops. 

That tardmess which at other times had brought 
the Americans near the brink of ruin, was now 
the accidental cause of real service. ILid they 
sent forward their recruits for the regular army, 
and their quotas of militia, as was expected, the 
siege of New York would have commenced in the 
latter end of July, or early in August. While the 
season was wastir-g away in expectation of these 
reinforcements, lord Cornwallis, as has been men- 
tioned, fixed himself near the Capes of Virginia. 
His situation there ; the arrival of a reinforcement 
of three thousand Germans from Europe to New 
York ; the superior strength of their g.irrison ; the 
failure of the states in filling up their battalions 
and embodying their militia ; and especially recent 
intelligence from Count de Grasse, that his des- 
tination was fixed to the Chesapeak, concurred 
about the middle of August to make a total change 
of the plan of the campaign. 

The appearance of an intention to attack New 
York was, nevertheless, kept up. While this de- 
ception was played off, the allied army crossed 



i5S THE LIFE OE 

the North River, and passed on by the way of 
Philadelphia tluoiigh the intermediate country to 
Yorktovvn. An atttnipt to reduce the British 
force in Virginia promised success with more ex- 
pedition, and to seciu-e an object of nearly equal 
importance as the reduction of New York. 

While the attack of New York was in serious 
contemplation, a letter from Gen. Washington, 
detailing tlie particulars of the intended operations 
of the campaign, being intercepted, fell into the 
hands of Sir Henry Clinton. After the plan was 
changed, the royal commander was so much under 
the impression of the intelligence contained in the 
intercepted letter, that he believed every move- 
ment toward Virginia to be a feint calculated to 
draw off his attention from the defence of New 
York. Under the influence of this opinion, he 
bent his whole force to strengthen that post ; and 
suffered the American and French armies to pass 
him without molestation. When the best oppor- 
tunity of striking at them was elapsed, then for the 
first time he was brought to believe, that the allies 
had fixed on Virginia for the theatre of their com- 
bined operatioiis. As truth may be made to an- 
svver the purposes of deception, so no feint of at- 
tacking New York could have been more success- 
ful than the real intention. 

In the latter end of August, tb.e American ar- 
my began their march to Virginia from the neigh- 
bourhood of New York. Washington had ad- 
vanced as far as Chester, before he leceived the 
news of the arr'-val of the fleet commanded by M. 
de (jrasse. The French troops marched at the 
same tmie, and for the same place. Gen. Wastr- 



GliORGE WASHINGTON. 153 

iog'ton and Count Rochamhcau with Generals 
Cha^telkux, du Portail, and Knox, proceeded to 
visit Count dc- Grasse on board his ship, the Ville 
dc P.ii is, and agreed on a plan of operations. 

Tiic Count afterward wrote to Washington, 
that in case a IVitish fieet appeared, " he conceiv- 
ed that he ought to go out and meet them at sea, 
instead of risking an engagement in a confined 
situation.." This alarmed the General. He sent 
the Marquis de la Fayette with a»!etter to dissuade 
him from the dangerous measure. This letter, 
and the persuasions of the Marquis, had the de- 
sired effect. 

Tlie combined forces proceeded on their way 
to Ycrhtown, partly by land, and partly down the 
Chesapeak. The whole, together with a body of 
Virginia militia, under the command of Gen. Nel- 
son, rendezvoused at Williamsburg, on the i25th. 
of September, and in five days after moved down 
to the investiture of Yorktown. The French fieet 
at the same time moved to the mouth of York 
river, and took a position which was calculated 
to prevent lord Cornw^allis eitlier from retreating, 
or receiving succour by water. PievioUsly to the 
march from Williamsburg to Yorktown, Wash- 
ington gave out in general orders as follows ; " If 
the enemy should be tempted to meet the army 
on its march, the General particularly enjoins the 
troops to place their principal reliance on the bay- 
onet, that they may prove the vanity of the boast, 
which the British make of their particular prowess, 
in deciding batdcs with that weapon." 

The works erected for the security of York- 
town on the right, were redoubts and batteries, 



154 ilJE LIFE OF 

w ith a line of stockade in the rear. A marshy ra- 
vine lay in front of the right, over which was 
placed a large redoubt. Th(* morass extended 
along the centre, which was defended by a line 
of stockade, and by batteries. On the left of the 
centre was a horn\vork with a ditch, a row of 
fraize, and an abbatis. Two redoubts were ad- 
vanced before the left. The combined forces ad- 
vanced, and took possession of the ground from 
which the British had retired. About this time 
the lep;ion cavalry and mounted infantry jjassed 
over the river to Gloucester. Gen. de Choisy 
invested the British post on that side so fully, as 
to cut oflf all communication between it and the 
country. In the mean time, the royal army was 
straining every nerve to strengthen their works, 
and their artillery was constantly employed in im- 
peding the operations of the combined army. On 
the nmth and tenth of October, the Americans 
and French opened their batteries. They kept up 
a brisk and well directed fire from heavy cannon, 
from mortars, and howitzers. The shells of the 
besiegers reached the ships in the harbour ; the 
Charon of foity four guns, and a transport ship, 
were burned. The besiegers commenced their 
second parallel two hundred yards from the works 
of the besieged. Two redonDts which were ad- 
vanced on the left of the British, greatly impeded 
the progress of the combiiied armies. It was 
thereforo proposed to carry them by storm. To 
excite a spirit of emulation, the reduction of tiie 
one was committed to the French, of the other to 
the Americans. The assailants marched to the 
assault with unloaded arms ; having passed the 



GEORCxE WASniXGTON. 155 

abbatis and palisades, they attacked on all sides, 
and carried the redoubt hi a few minutes, with 
the loss oi" eight men killed, and twenty eight 
woiKidid. 

The French were equally successful on their 
part. Tht y carried the redoubt assigned to them 
With rapidity, but lost a considerable number of 
men. Thtse two redoubts were included in tlie 
second parallel, and i'aeihiated the subsequent op- 
erations of the besiegers. 

By this time the batteries of the besiegers were 
covered with nearly a hundred pieces of heavy 
ordnance, and the works of the besieged were so 
damaged that they could scarcely show a single 
gun. Lord Cornwallis had now no hope left, but 
from offering terms of capitulation, or atiempiing 
an escape. He determi.ied on the latter. This, 
thougii less practicable than when liist proposed, 
was not altogether hopeless. Boats xA'ere prepar- 
ed to receive the troops in the night, and totn.ns- 
port them to Gloucester point. After one whole 
embarkation had crossed, a violent storm of wind 
and rain dispersed the boats, and frustrated the 
whole scheme. The royal army, thus weakened 
by division, was exposed to increased danger. 
C)rders were sent to those who had passed, to re- 
cross the river to Yorktown. Widi the failure of 
this scheme, the last hope of the British army ex- 
pired. Longer resistance could answer no good 
pur!)ose, and might occasion the loss of uiany val- 
uable lives. Lord Cornwallis therefore wrote a 
letter to Gen. Washington, requesting a cessation 
of arms for twenty four hours ; and th;it commis- 
sioners might be appointed to digest terms of ca- 



156 THE LIFE OF 

pitulation. This was agreed to, and in conse 
queuce thereof, the posts of York and Glouce^; cr 
■were surrendered on certain stipulatioiis ; ihe piii- 
cipal of which were as follows ; " The troops to 
be prisoners of war to Congress, and the naval force: 
to France; the officers to retain their side uims' 
and private property of every kuid but every ihi^gi 
obvir)u.sly b^longins^ to the inhabicants of the Unit- 
ed States, to be subject to be reclaimed ; tlic 
sol'Ju rs to be kept m Virginia, Maryland, and 
Pcnns) Ivania, and to be supplied with tiie same ra- 
tions a^ are allowed to soldiers in the service of 
Congress ; a ])roportion of the offi.:ers to m:irch 
into the country with the prisoners, the rest to be 
allowed to proceed on parole to Europe, to New 
Yoik, or to any other American maritime post in 
posses-.ion of the Britisii." The honour of march- 
ing out with colours flying, which had been refus- 
ed to Gen. Lincoln on his giving up CliarlestoHj 
Was now refused to Earf Cornwalhs ; and Gen. 
Lincoln was appointed to receive the submission 
of the royal army at Yorktown, precisely in the 
same way his own had been' coiKlucted about 
eighteen months before. 

Tlie regular troops of America and France, em- 
ploved in tiiis siege, coiisistcd of about five thou- 
saiid five hundred of the former, and seven thou- 
sand of the latter, and ihry were assisted by a'oout 
f')..n' tnousand militia. On the part o; the cf>:n- 
biiied army, about tlnx-e hundred were killed or 
wound<-d. On the part of the British about iivc 
hundred, and seventy were taken in the redoubts, 
which were carried by assault on the 14.h. of Oc- 
tober. The troops of every kind that surrendered 



GE0R<;E AVASIiiiNCTOlN. 



157 



prisoners of war, exceeded seven thousand men ; 
but so great was the number of sick and wound- 
ed, that there were only three thousand eight hun- 
dred capal^le of bearing arms. 

Congress honoured Gen. Washington, Count 
de Rochambeau, Count de Grasse, and the officers 
of tlie different corps, and the men under them, 
v/itii thanks for their services in the reduction of 
lord CornvvalHs.' The whole project was conceiv- 
ed with profound wisdom, and tlie incidents of it 
had been combined with singular propriety. It 
is not therefore wonderful, that from the remarka- 
ble coincidence in all its parts, it was crowned with 
unvaried success. 

General Waslnngton, on the day after the sur- 
render, ordered " that those who were under ar- 
rest, should be pardoned and set at liberty." His 
orders chised as follows ; " Divine service shall 
be performed to.norrow in the different brigades 
and divisions. The commander in chief recom- 
mends ih.it all the troops that"are not upon d»ity, 
do assibt at it with a serious deportment, and that 
sensibility of heart '.vhicii the recollection of the 
surprising and particular interposition of Provi- 
dence in our favour claims." • The interesting 
event of captivating a second royal arnxy, produc- 
ed strong emotions, vviiich broke out in all the va- 
riety of vvays in which the most rapturous joy 
usually displays itself. 

After the capture of lord Cornwallis, Washing, 
ton, with the greatest part of his army, returned 
to the vicinity of New York. In the preceding 
six yeais he had been accustomed to look forward 
and to provide for all possible events. In the hub- 
15 



158 THK IJI F, Ot' 

it of striip;|^'lin{r with diflicultlcs, his courage at all 
times i^rcw with the dant>'ers which siirroundecll 
him. In the mostdisastnuis situations lie was iar 
removed from despair. On the otlier hand, those 
fortunate events wliicli induced many to belie\ e 
that the revohitlon was aeeomphshed, never op- 
erated on liim s(i far as to relax his exertions or 
precautions. Tli()vii;h complete success had been 
obtaint d by tlic allied arms in Virgmia, and great 
advantages had been gained in 1781 iji the Caio- 
linas, yet Washington urged the necessity of being- 
prepared for another Ciimpaign. In a letter to ( ien. 
Greene he observed, " I shall endeavoiu' to stimu- 
late Congress to the best improvement of our late 
success, by taking the most vigoions and eflectual 
measures to be ready for an early and decisive 
campaign tlie next year. My greatest fear is that, 
viewing this stroke in a jioint of light u hieh may 
too nuieh magnify its importance, they may think 
our work too nearly closed, and fill into a state ol 
languor and relaxation. To prevent this error, 1 
shall employ every means in my power ; and if 
unh ippily we sink into this fatal >i\istake, no part 
of the blame shall be mine.'* 



(.KOUOK WASillNmON. 



159 



CHAPTER IX. 



17b2:w] irW. 



ProxpectH <)f peace languor of llic .Statx;B ....Di«contPnUiof the army. 

(.en. VVa»iliiii(;f.oii preninU the adoptif/n of ranh raeanurc* Some 

new levies in I*eur)»ylvania mutiny, anrl are rjiicllcd .. .Wa»hingU>n 
rccornrocri<)» measures for the prc»ervatiori of iftrlcpcn<]erice, peace, 

. liberty, anrl happine** DiKmissc-fi hi* array Knters New York- 

Takes leave of hi» ofiiceri .Settles his accounts Hepairs to Annap- 
olis Resigns his comrijisslon ItctircK to Mount Vernon, and iC- 

(ui/ies his agricultural pursuits. 



T/iiv military establishment Tor 1782, was passed 
with unusual celerity shortly alter the surrender 
of lord Cornvvallis ;but no exertions of :\merica 
alone could do more than confine the British to 
the sea coast. To dislodi^e them from their strong 
hf)lds in New York and Charleston, occupied the 
unceasing attention of Washington. While he 
was concerting plans for fartlier combined opera- 
tions with the French, and at the same time en^ 
dcavouring Ijy circular letters to rouse his coun» 
trymen to spirited measures, intelligence arrived 
that sundry motions for discontinuiiig the Amerir 
can war had l)een debated in the British Parlia- 
ment, and nearly carried. Fearing that thib would 



160 



lilE LII'K OF 



relax the exertions of the states, he added in his' 
circular letters to their respective Governors, " I 
have perused these debates with great attention 
and care, with a view, if possible, to j)enetrate their 
real design ; and upon the. most mature delibera- 
tion I can bestow, I am ol)liged to declare it as 
my candid opinion, that the measure, in all its 
views, so far as it respects America, is merely de- 
lusory, having no serious intention to admit our 
independence upon its true principles ; but is cal- 
culated to produce a change of ministers to quiet 
the minds of their own people, and reconcile them 
to a continuance of the war ; while it is meant to 
amuse this country with a false idea of peace, to 
draw us from our connexion with France, and to 
lull us into a state of security and inactivity ; which 
taking place, the ministry will be left to prosecute 
the war in other parts of the world with greater 
vigour and effect. Your excellency will permit 
me on this occasion to observe, that even if the 
nation and parliament are really in earnest to ob- 
tain peace witii America, it will undoubtedly be 
wisdom in us to meet them with great caution 
and circumspection, and by all means to keep our 
arms firm in our hands ; and instead of relaxing 
one iota in our exertions, rather to spring forward 
with redoubled vigour, that we may take the ad- 
vantage of every lavourable opportunity, until our 
wishes are fully obtained. No nation yet suffered 
in treaty by preparing, even in the moment of ne- 
gotiation, most vigorously for the field." 

Early in May, Sir ( iuy Carleton, who had suc- 
ceeded Sir Henrv Clinton as commander in chief 



OKOKOR WASHINGTON. 161 

of the British forces in America, arrived in New 
York, and announced in successive communica- 
tions, the increasing prob;ibilily of a speedy peace, 
and his disapprobation of fanherhostilities, which, 
he observed, " could only tend to multiply ihe 
mir^erits of individuals, without a possible advan- 
tage to either nation." 'Ihe cautious temper of 
Washington gradu.ill} yielded to increasing evi- 
dence that the Biitish were seriously inclined to 
terminate the war; but in proportion as thisopin- 
ion prevailed, the exertions of the states relaxed. 
Not more than eighty thousand dollars had been 
received from all of them, when the month of 
August was lar advai;ccd. Every expenditure 
yielded to the subsistence of the army. A suffi- 
ciency of money could scarcely be obtained for 
that indispettsably necessary purpose. To pay 
the troojjs was in)j)ossible. 

Washington, whose sagacity anticipated events, 
foresaw with concern the probable consequences 
likely to result from the tardiness of the states to 
con^ply with the requisitions of Congress. These 
had been an, pie. Eight millions of dollars had 
been called ior, to be paid in four equal fjuarterly 
instalments, for the service of the year l'"82. In 
a confidential letter to the Secretary of War, Wash- 
ington observ ed, " 1 cannot help fearing the re.- 
su't of reducing the army, where I see such a 
innnber of men, goaded by a thousand stiiigs of 
refii.clion on the past, and of anticipation on the 
furure, about to be turned into the world, soured 
by penury, and what they call the ingratitude of 
the nuliiic ; involved in debts without one far- 
thing of money to carry them honie, after having 
15^' 



162 THE LIFE ()J< 

spent the flower of their days, and many of theiu 
their patrimonies, in establishing the freedom and 
independence of their country, and having suffer- 
ed every thing which human nature is capable of 
enduring on this side of death. I repeat it, when 
I reflect on these irritable circunisiances, I cannot 
avoid apprehending that a train of evils will follow, 
of a very serious and distressing nature. 

" I wish not io heighten the shades of the pic- 
ture so far as the real Hse would justify me in do- 
ing, or I w^ould give anecdotes of patriotism and 
distress, w^hich have scarcely ever been par^uU h d, 
never surpassed, in the history of mankind. But 
you may rely upon n ; the j)atience and long suffer- 
ance of this army are abnost exhausted, and there 
never was so great a spirit of discontent as at this 
instant. Wiiiie in the field, it may be kept from 
breaking out into acts of outrage ; but when we re- 
tire into winter quarters, unless the storm be pre- 
viously dissipated, I cannot be at ease respecting 
the consequences. It is high time for a peace." 

These apprehensions were well founded. To 
watch the discontents erf his troops, the American 
chief continued in canp after they had retired in- 
to winter quarters, though there was no prospect 
of any military operation which might require his 
presence. Soon after their retirement, the officers 
presented a petition to Congress respecting their 
pay, and deputed a committee of their body to so- 
licit their interests while under consideration.* 

Nothing had been decided on the claims of the 
army, v/hen intelligence, in March, 1783, arrived, 
that prelnninary and eventual articles of peace 

* See the Appendix for this petitiorr. 



GEORGPi WASHINGTON. 



168 



between the United States and Great Britain bad 
been sit^ned on the 30th. of the preceding Novem- 
ber, in which the independence of the United 
States was amply recognised. In the general joy 
excited by this event, the army partook ; but one 
unpleasant idea mingled itself with their exul- 
tations. They suspected that as justice had not 
been done to them while their services were indis- 
pensable, they would be less 1 kt.l to obtain it 
when tht-y ceased to be necessary 'J'heir fears on 
this account were increased by a letter which about 
the same time was received from their committee 
in Philadelphia, announcing that the objects wMuch 
they had solicited from Congress had not yet been 
obtained. Smarting as they were under past suf- 
ferings, and present wants, their exasperation be- 
came violent and almost. universal. While they 
were brooding over their gloomy prospects, and 
provoked at the apparent neglect with which they 
had been treated, an anonymous paper was circu- 
lated, proposing a meeting of the General and 
Field Oiiicers on the next day. The avowed ob- 
ject of this meeting was to consider the late letter 
from their committee ' with Congress, and what 
measures should be adopted to obtain that redress 
of grievances which they seemed to have solicited 
in vain. Oil the same day the following address 
was privately circulated. 

"TO THE OFFICERS OF THE AR.MY. 

"Gentlemen, 

" A fellow soldier, whose interest and affections bind him strongly to 
you ; whose p^st suft'eringsliave been as great, and whose future I'ortune 
may be as desperate as yours, would beg leave to address you. Age has 



164 



THE LIFTl OF 



its'claims, and rank is not without its pretensions to advise ; but thoiij:;' 
tli!su])ported by both, ho flatters himself that the ]»!ain language of sin- 
cerity and experience, will neither be unheard nor unregarded, l/ike- 
many of you, he loved private life, and left it with regret, lie lefi it,, 
determined to retire from the field with the necessity that called liini 1»d 
it, and not till then ; not till the enemies of his country, the slaves ot'l 
power, and the liirelings of injustice, were compelled to abaiidon their 
schemes, and acknowledge America as terrible in arms as she h;id bcii 
humble in remonstrance. With this object in view, he has long shared 
ia your toils, and mingled in your dangers ; he has felt the cold hand off 
poverty witliouta murmur, and has seen the insolence of wealth without: 
a sigh. l?iU, too much under the direction of his wishes, and sometimes . 
weak enough to mistake desire for opinion, he has, till lately, very lafehj, , 
believed in tlie justice of his country. He hoped, that as the clouds of 
adversity scattered, and as the sunshine of peace and better fortune 
broke in upon us. the coldness and severity of government would relax, 
and that more tlian justice, \\va\. gratitu(k \inv\i\ blaze forth upon those 
hands which bad ujibeld her in the darkest stages of her passage, from 
impending servitu(ie to acknowlecjged independence. But faith has its 
limits, as well as temper ; and there are points beyond which neither 
can be stretched, without sinking into cowardice, or plunging into cre- 
dulity. This, mv friends, T conceive to be your situation. Hurried to 
the very verge of both, another step would ruin you forever. To be 
tame and unprovoked when injuries press hard upon you, is more than 
weakness ; but to look up for kinder usage, without one manly effort of 
your Oiv-1, « 'luit! fix your du'riictei-. an\J show the world how richly you 
deserve thone rlij/ni \ m,i 'h- Av To guard against this evil, let us take 
a revicvv' of the gi-onnd upon which we now stand, and fi'Om thence car- 
ry our thoughts forward for a moment, into the unexplored field of ex- 
pedi'-nt. 

•* After a pursuit of seven long years, the object for which we set 
But is at length brought witliiu our reach ! Yes, my friends, that suffer- 
ing courage of yours, was active once ; it has contiucteil the United ; 
States of Viiicrioa tbrough a doubtful and a bloody war! It has placed 
her in the chair of iiidepeiirlency, and peace returns again to bless — 
whoo} ? \ country willing to redress your wrongs, cherish your wortli, 
and reward vour services; a coiintrv courting your return- to p^i^ ate 
life, willi tears of gratitude, and smiles of admiration ; longing to divide 



fiEORCK WASrilXGTON. 



16S 



wilh j'OU tliat independency wliichJOiii' gallantry lias giren, and those 
Tidies which yoiu* wounds have preserved ? 1b ttiis the case ? or is it 
rather, a country that tramples upon your rights, disdains your cries, 
and insults your distresses ? Have you not, moie than once, suggested 
your wishes, and made known your wants to Congress ? Wants and 
wishes which gratitude and policy shouhl have anticipated, rather than 
evaded. And have you not lately, in the meek language of entreating 
memorial, begged iVom their justice, what you woukl no longer expect 
from their favour ? How have you been answered ! Let the letter which 
you ai-e called to consider tomorrow, make reply. 

" If this, then, be your treatment, while the swords you wear are 
necessary for the defence of America, what have you to expect from 
peace, when your voice shall sink, and your strength dissipate by 
division ? 

** When these very swords, the instruments and companions of youi? 
glory, shall be taken from your sides, and no remaining mark of military 
distinction left, but your wants, infirmities, and scars ! can you then 
consent to be the only sufferers by this revolution, and retiring from the 
field, grow ol<l iu poverty, wretchedness, and contempt ? Can you coa- 
sent to wade through the vile mire of dependency, and owe the misera- 
ble remnant of that life to charity, which has hitherto been spent in 
honour ? If you can, go ; and carry with you the jest of tories, and 
the scorn of wliigs ; the ridicule, and, what is worse, the pity of the 
•world ! tio, starve, and be forgotten ! But if your spirit should revolt at> 
this ; if you have sense enough to discover, and si)irit enougli to oppose 
tyranny, under whatever garb it may assume ; whether it be the plaia 
coat of republicanism, or the splendid robe of royalty ; if you have yet 
learned to discriminate between a people and a cause, between men and 
principles; awake ! attend to your situation, and redress yourselves. If 
the present moment be lost, every future effort is in vain; and jour 
threats then will be as empty as your entreaties now. 1 would advise 
you, therefore, to come to some final opinion, upon wliat you can bear, 
and what you will suffer If your determination be iu any proportion to 
your wrongs, carry your appeal from the justice to the fears of gor- 
ernment.; change the milk and uatcr style of your last memorial j as- 
sume a bolder tone j decent, but lively, spirited, and determined ; and 
suspect the man who would advise to mere moderation and longer for- 
bearai.ce. Let two er tliree men, who can feci as well as write, be ap- 



I66r THE LIFE OF 

pointed to draw up your last remoiisj[.rance ; for I would no longer give 
it the Slicing, Boft, unsuccessful cjiithct of memorial. Let it be ri'pre-y 
sentcd, in language lliat will neillier dishonour you by its rudeness, nor 
betray you by its fears, what has been promised by Congress, and what 
has been performed ; how long and how patiently you have suffered ; 
h')vv little >ou have asked, and how nuich of that little has been denied. 
Tell thena that though Vou were the first, and wouldwish to be the last, 
to encounter danger; though despair itself can never drive you into dis- 
honour, it may drive you from the field ; that the wound often irritated, 
and never healed, may at length become incurable ; and that the slight- 
est mark of indignity from Congress now, must operate like the gravt^ 
and part you for ever ; that in any political event, the array has its al-) 
ternative. \f peace, that nothing shall separate you from your arms but > 
death; if wur, that courting tlie auspices and inviting the directions off 
your illustrious leader, you will retire to some unsettled country, smile 
in }Our turn, and " mock when their fear cometh on." But let it rep* ■ 
resent also, that should they comply with the request of your late rae<» • 
morial, it would make you more happy, and them more respectable;- 
that while the war should continue, you would follow their standard 
into tl»e field ; and when it eame to an end, you would withdraw into ) 
th'.' shade of private liib, and give the world another subject of wonder 
and applause ; un unny victorious over its enemies, victorious over it- ■ 
self." [Anonymous.] 

This artful address found in almost eveiy bo- 
so^n such conL!,enial sentiments, as prepared the 
\v;iy for it.s favourable reception. It operated like 
a torch on combustible materials. The passions 
of t!ie army qvii'kly caught the flame it was well, 
calculated to excite. Every appearance threaten. 
ed tiiat die proposed convention of the officers > 
would produce an explosion which might tarnish 
the reputation of the army, disturb the peace, of 
the country, and, under certain circumstances, 
most prnb.ibly terminate in the subversion of the 
recent iibertie* of the new formed states. - 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



167 



Accustomed, as Washington had been, to emer- 
gencies of great delicacy and difficulty, yet none 
had occurred, which called more prcssnigiy than 
the present, for the utmost exertion of all his pow- 
ers. 'He knew well that it was much easitr to 
avoid intemperate measures than to recede from 
them after they had been adopted. He therefore 
considered it as a matter of the last importance, 
to prevent the meeting of the officers on the suc- 
ceeding day, as proposed in the anonymous sum- 
mons. The sent^bilities of the army were too 
high to admitof this being forbidden by authority, 
as a violation of discipline ; but the end was an- 
swered in another way, and without irritation. 
The commander in chief, in general orders, notic- 
ed the anonymous summons, as a disorderly pro- 
ceeding, not to be countenanced ; and the more 
effectually to divert the officers from paving any 
attention to it, he requested them to meet for the 
same nominal purpose, but on a day four days 
subsequent to the one proposed by the anonymous 
addresser. The isitervening period wasinproved 
in preparing the officers for the adoption of mod- 
erate measures. Gen. Wushington sent for one 
oiik;cr after another, and enlarged in private on the 
f\ital conseq'iences, and particularly the loss of 
character, which would result froin the adoption 
of intemperate resolutions. His whole personal 
influence was excited to calm the prevailing agita- 
tion. When the officers assembled, their venera- 
ble chic f prepiiring to address them, found his eye- 
sight to fail him, on which he observed, *' My 
eyes have grown dim in my country's service, but 
I never doubted of its justice;" and then proceed- 
1 ed as •follows ; 



168 ' THE LIFE OF 

<' GEN ILEMEN, 

"By an anonymous summons, an attempt has 
been made to convene you together. How in- 
consistent with the rules of propriety, how unmili- 
tary, and how subversive of all order and disci- 
pline, let the good sense of the army decide. 

" In the moment of this summons, another anon- 
ynious production was sent into circulation, ad- 
dressed more to the feelings and passions than to 
the reason and judgnient of the army. The au- 
thor of the piece is entitled to much credit for the 
goodness of his pen ; and I could wish he had as 
much credit for the rectitude of his heart ; for, as 
men see through difilrent optics, and are induced, 
by the refiectmg faculties of the mind, to use dif- 
ferent means to attain the same end, the author of 
the address should have had more charity than to 
riiurk for suspicion, the man who should recom- 
mend nioderation and longer forbearance ; or, in 
other words, who should not think as lie tliiuks, 
and act as he advised; But he had another plan 
in view, in \vhich candoUr and liberality of senti- 
ment, regard to justice, and love of country, have 
no part ; and he was right to insinuate the dark- 
est sus])icion to effect the blackest design, 'i'jiat 
the address is dnfwn widi great ait, and is design- 
ed to answer the most insidious purposes ; that it 
is calculated to impress the mind with an idea of 
premeditated injustice in the sovereign power of 
the Uiiitcd States, and rouse all those resentments 
whieli must unavoidably flow fiom such a Ix lief ; 
that the secret mover of this scheme, whoever he 
may be, intended to take advantage of the pas- 
sions, while they were warmed by the recollection 
of past distresses^ without giving time for. cool, 



GEORGE WASiirNGTOJf. 169 

deliberate thinking, and tliat composure of mind 
which is so necessary to give dignity and stabihty 
to measures, is rendered too obvious, by the mode 
of conducting the business, to need other proof 
than a reference to the proceeding. Thus much, 
gentlemen, I have thought it incumbent on me to 
observe to you, to show upon what principles I 
opposed the irregular and hasty meeting which 
was proposed to have been held on l\iesd;iy last, 
and not because I wanted a disposition to give you 
every opportunity, consistent with your own hon- 
our and the dignity of the army, to make known 
your grievances. If my conduct heretofore has 
not evinced to you, that I have been a faithful 
friend to the army, my declaration of it at this 
time would be equally unavailing and improper. 
But as I was among the first who embarked ia 
the cause of our common country ; as I have nev- 
er left your side one moment, but when called 
from you on public duty ; as I have been the 
constant companion and witness of your distress- 
es, and not among the last to fet land acknowledge 
your merits ; as I have ever considered my own 
military reputation as inseparably connected with 
th.it of t'Pie army ; as my heart has ever expanded 
With joy when I have heard its praises, and my 
indignition has arisen when the mouth of detrac- 
tion has been opened against it, it can scarcely be 
supposed, at this late stage of the war, that I am 
indifferent to its interests. But how are they to 
be promoted ? The way is plain, says the anony- 
mous addresser. If war continues, remove into 
tiie unsettled country ; there establish yourselves, 
Jind leave an ufigrateful couatry to defend itself. 
1^ 



17C) 



TllF. I.H'K 1)1' 



But who are ihcy to cWund ? Our wives, our chiU 
clirn, our fanus, and olher property, whieh \v€ 
leave behind us ? Or, in this state of hostile sep. 
nnition, are we to take xhv two first, the latter can. 
not be removed, to perisli in a wilderness, with 
iuuii;x r, eold, and nakedness '? If peace lakes pUice. 
never sheath your swords, sa}s he, until you have 
obtained full and ample justice. This dR\ulful 
alternative oi' either deserting our country in the 
cxtremest hour of her distress, or turning our arms 
iigainst it, which is the apjxirent object, unless 
Congress can be compelled into instant compli 
ancc, has something so shocking in it, that lui 
inanity revolts at the idea. IM\' God ! wliat can 
ihis writer have in A'iew, by recomniendii^g such 
measures •? Can he be a friend to the army ? Can 
he be a friend to this country ? Katb.er is he not 
:m insidious Ibe ■? so*i\c emissary, perhaps, from 
iNcw York, plotting the ruin of boih, by sowing 
ihe seeds of discord and separatio!^ between the 
civil and militiuy powers of the continent ? And 
vhat a compliment does he pay to our understand- 
ings, when he recommends measures, in either 
alternative, inipracticalile in their nature ? But 
Ikic, gx^ntlemen, I will drop the curtain, because 
it would be as imprudent in me to assign my reas- 
ons for this opinion, as it would be insulting to 
vour conception to suppoat^ you stood in need of 
them. A moment's relleetion will convince eve- 
rv dispassionate mind of the physical impossibiUly 
of carrying either proposal into execution. There 
might, gendemen, be an impropriety in my tak- 
tng notice in this address to you, of an anonymous 
production ; but tlic manner in w hicli that per- 



(,KOR(.i: WA.S'II.NGTOX. 



37X 



formancc has bctn introduced to the arrny, the 
cflcct it was intended to have, together with some 
other ciFcunistanees, will amply justify my obser- 
vations on the tendency of that writinj^. With? 
respect to tl^e advice j^iven by the author, to sus» 
pect the mafi who sliall recommend nKxIcrato 
'measures and longer forbearance, I sj)urn it, as ev- 
ery rnan wlio rej^urds that liberty and reveres that 
justice for which we contend, undoubtedly must; 
for, if men arc to be precluded from oflerii;;^- their 
" ■■iments on u matter whicli may involve the 
X serious and alarminj^ consequences that can 
. -:e the consideration of mankind, reason is o% 
\.-- 'ISC to us. The freedom of speech may be 
taken away, and dumb and silent we may be led, 
like sheep, to the slauj^Iite'r. I cannot in justice 
to my own belief, and wriat I have great reason to 
conceive is tlie intention of Congress, conclude 
tliis address, without giving it as my decided opin- 
ion, that that honourable body entertain exalted 
sentiments of the services of the army, arid from 
a full conviction of its merits and suiTerings will 
do it complete justice ;' that their endeavours to 
discover and establish funds for this purpose, has 
ii unwearied, and will not cease till they have 
*. edcd, I have not a doui)l. But like all other 
/: bodies, v/liere there is a variety of different 
csts to reconcile, tlieir dcterminauonsare slow, 
/ then should v/e distrust them ? and in con- 
lence of tliat distrust, adopt measirres which 
. cast a sliade over that gl<^^y which has been 
i'lstly accjuired, and tarnish the rcputition of 
rmy which is celebrated through all Europe 
:■•: ?V,r;i^::f''" -..-A T.;.-notism '> A?. 'I. f>.r nlcr k 



172 



TUT; LIFE OF 



this done ? To bring the object we seek nearer ? 
No ; most certainly, in my opinion, it will ciist it 
at a greater distance. For myself, and I ' take no 
merit in giving,the assurance, being induced to it 
from prircipies of gratitude, veracity, and jus- 
lice ; a grateful sense of the confidence you have 
ever placed in me ; a recollection of tlie cheerful 
assistance, and prompt obedience 1 have e.xperi- 
enc^ed from you, under every vicissitude, of for- 
tune, and the sincere affection I feel for an army I 
have so long had the honour to command, will 
oblige me to declare in this public and solemn 
manner, that in the attainment of complete justice- j 
for all your toils an.d dangeis, and in the graiifica- i 
tion of every wish, so far as nniy be done consist- ' 
cntly with the great duty I owe my country, and 
those pov/ers we are bound to respect, you may 
freely command my services to the utmost extent 
of my abilities. While I give you these assuran- 
ces, and pledge myself in the most unequivocal 
manner to exert whatever ability^ I am possessed 
of in your f:ivour, let me entreat you, gentlemen, 
on your part, not to take any measure, which, 
viewed in the calm light of reason, will lessen the 
dignity and sully the glory you have hitherto main- 
tained ; let me request you to rely on the plight- 
ed fiith of your country, and place a full confi- 
dence in the purity of the intentions of Congress, 
that, previous to your dissolution as an army, they 
will cause all your accounts to be fairly liquidated, 
as directed in the resolutions which were publish- 
ed to you two days ago ; and that they will adopt 
the most effectual measures in their po'»ver to ren- 
der ample justice to you, for your faithful and 



GEOiiGE WASIHXGTOX. 17"6 

meritorious services. And let me conjure you in 
the muTne of our common couiitr}-, as you value 
your own sacred honour, as you respect the rights 
of humanity., and as you regard the military and 
national character of America, to express your ut- 
most horror and detestation of the man who wish- 
es, under any specious pretences, to overturn the 
liberties of our country, and who wickedly at- 
tempts to open the floodgates of civil discord, and 
deluge our rising empire in blood. 

" By thus determining and thus acting, you 
will pursue the plain and direct road to the attain- 
ment of your wishes ; you will defeat tlie insidi- 
ous designs of our enemies, who are compelled 
to resort from open force to secret artifice. You 
will give one more distinguished proof of unex- 
ampled patriotism and patient virtue, rising supe- 
rior to the pressure of the most complicated suf- 
ferings ; and you will, by the dignity of your con- 
duct, afford occasion for posterity to say, when 
speaking of the glorious example you have exhib- 
ited to mankind, 'Had this day been wanting, 
the world had never seen the last stage of perfec- 
tion to which human nature is capable of attain- 
ing." 

The address being ended, Washington with- 
drew. No person was hardy enough to oppose 
the advice he had given.* I'he impression made 

* "It M-:is liapijy for tlie army and coiintry, tluit «Iicn his ExceJien- 
oy liad finisihed and wiUidr.iwn, no one i'dsc atul observed, ' That Gen- 
ci-mI Wasliington was about to .lait the military line laden with honour, 
antl that he had a considerable estate to support lii;,i with dignity, but 
that their case was very diftercnt.' Had such idi?as been thrown out, 
and properly enlarged upon, tliC meeting would probably have conclud- 
ed Yci-y djfierently." GordoiCs Historij, vol. 4, p. 357. 

16* 



174 TilK LtFK OP 

by his address was irresistible. The happy mo- 
ment was seized. While the minds of the offi- 
cers, softened by the eloquence of tlieir beloved 
commander, were in a yielding state, a resolution 
was ofllred and adopted, in which they assured 
him " tiiat they reciprocated his affectionate ex~ 
pressions with the greatest sincerity of which the 
heart was capable." Before they dispersed, they 
unrinirnously adopted several other resolutions, in 
which they deelurcd, " That no circumstance of 
distress or danger sh.ould induce a conduct that 
might tend to sully ib.e repr'ation and glory they 
had acquired at tlic" price of their blood and eight 
years faithful service; -that ihey continued to have 
an unshaken conudence in ihe justice of Congress 
and their ctkmtry ; that tley viewed with abhor- 
rence, and rejected v/ith disdyin, the infamous 
pro posi lion contained in a late anonymous address 
1K) the officers of th.earnAj;." 

The storm which had been long gathering, was 
suddenly dissipated. The army acquired addi- 
tional reputation, and the coiijmander in chief 
gave a new proof of the goodiness of his heart, and 
the soundness of his judgment. Perh:ips in no in- 
stance did the Uni'.ed States receive from heaven 
a more signal deliverance through the hands df 
Washington, than in the hapj^y termination of this^ 
serious transaction. If ambition had possessed .a 
•ingle corner of his heart, the opportunity was too 
favourable, tlie temptation too splendid, to have 
been resisted. But his soul was superior to such 
Tiews, and his love of country so ardent, and at 
the s.i'.ie time so pure, that the charms of power, 
tbough recommended by the imposing appearance 



«P,ORGE WASHINGTOX. 175 

of procTirins^ justice for his unrewarded army, 
made no impression on his unshaken mind. He 
viewed the character of a patriot as superior to 
that of a sovereign. To be elevated to supreme^ 
power, was less in his estteni than to be a good 
man. 

Instead of turning the discontents of an unpaid 
army to his own aggrandizement, he improved the 
late events to stimulate Congress to do them jus- 
tice. HiS letter to their Presideht on tliis occasion 
was as follows. 

"ST'.l, 

" The result of the proceedings of the gi'and 
convention of the officers, which I have the hon- 
our of enclosing to your excellency for the inspec- 
tion of Congress, will, I flatter myself, be consid- 
ered as the last glorious proof of patriotisin which 
could have been given, by men who aspired to the 
distinction of a patriot army; and will not only' 
confirm their claim to the justice, but Vvili increase 
their title to the gratitude of their country. Hav- 
ing seen the proceedings on the part of the army 
terminate with perfect unanimity, and iji a man- 
ner entirely consonant to my wishes ; being im- 
pressed with the liveliest sentiments of aiiection 
for those who have so long, so jxitieiitly, and so 
cheerfully suRlred and fought under niy immedi- 
ate direction ; having from motivesof justice, du- 
ty, and gratitude, spontaneously offered myself as 
an advocate for their rights ; and, having been re- 
quested to write to your excellency, ciiiieslly en- 
treating the most speedy decision of Congress up- 
on the subjects of the lute address from the army 



176 THE LTI'E OF 

to that honourable body ; it now only remains for 
me to perform the task I have assumed, and to 
intercede in their belialf, as I now do, that the 
sovereign power will be pleased to verify the pre- 
dictions 1 have pronounced of, and the confidence 
the army have reposed in, the justice of their coun- 
try. And here I humbly conceive it is altogether 
unnecessary, while I am pleading the cause of an 
army which have done and suffered more than any 
other army ever did in the defence of the rights 
and hberties of human nature, to expatiate on their 
claims to the most ample compensation for their 
meritorious services, because they Are known per- 
fectly to the whole world, and because, although the 
topics are inexhaustible, enough has already been 
said on the subject. To prove these assertions, 
to evince lliat my sentiments have ever been uni- 
form, and to show what my ideas of tlie rewards 
in question have always been, I appeal to the arch- 
ives of Congress, and call on those sacred depos- 
ites to witness for me. And in order that my ob- 
servations and arguments in favour of a future ad- 
equate provision for the officers of the army may 
be brought to remembrance again, and considered 
in a single point of view, without giving Congress 
the trouble of having recourse to their files, I will 
bee: leave to transmit herewith an extract from a 
representation made by me to a committee or 
Congress, so long ago as the 29th. of January, 
1778, and also the transcript of a letter to the 
President of Congress, dated near Pasaic Fails, 
October 11th. 1780. 

*' That in the critical and perilous moment when 
the last mentioned communication was made, 



GEOllf.E WASHINGTON. 177 

there was the utmost danger a dissolution of tlie 
army would have taken phice, unless measures 
similar to those recommended had been adopted, 
will not admit a^tlouht. That the adoption of the 
resolution granting half pay for life has been at- 
tended with all the happy consequences I had fore- 
told, so far as respected the good of the service, 
let the astonishing contrast i etwcen the state of 
the army at this instant, and at the forn^cr period, 
determine. And that the e.vtab!ishment of funds, 
and security of the payment of all the just de- 
mands of the army, Vvill be tlie most certain means 
of preserving tlie national faith, and future tran- 
quillity of this e:itensive continer.t, is my decided 
opinion, 

" By the preceding remarks it vvill readily be 
imagined, tluit instead of retracling and repre- 
hending, fiom farther experience and reflection, 
the rriode of compensation so strenuously urged 
in the enclosures, I am more and more confirmed 
in the sentiment ; and if in the wrong, suffer me 
to please myself vvilh the grateful delusion. 

" For if, beside the simple payment of their 
wages, a fardier compensation is not due to the 
sufferings and sacrifices of the oflicers, then have 
I been niistakcn indeed. If the whole army have 
not merited whatever a grateful people can be- 
stow, then have I been beguiled by prejudice, and 
built opinion on the basis of error. If this coun- 
try should not in the event perform every thmg 
whicli has been requested in the late memorial to 
Congress, then will my belief become vain, and 
the hope that has been exciied, void of foundation. 
And if, as has been suggested for the purpose of 



178 THE LIFE OP 

inflaming their passions, the ofliicers of the army 
are to be the only sufferers by this revohition ; 
' if retiring from the field they are to grow old in 
poverty, wretehedncss, and contempt ; if they are 
to wade through the vile mire of dependency, and 
owe the miseral:)le remnant of that life to charity, 
which has hitherto been spent in honour ;' then 
shall I have learned what ingratitude is ; then shall 
I have realized a tale which will embitter every 
moment of my future life. 

"But I am under no 5;uch apprehensions ; a coun- 
try rescued by their arms from impending ruin, 
will never leave unpaid the debt of gratitude. 

" Should any intemperate or improper warmth 
have mingled itself amongst the foregoing obser- 
vations, I must entreat your Excellency and Con* 
gress, it may be attributed to the effusion of aa 
hor.cst zeal in the best of causes, and that my pe- 
culiar situation may be my apology ; and I hope j 
I need not on this momentous occasion make any 
new protestations of personal disinterestedness, 
having ever renounced for myself the idea of pe- 
cuniary reward. The con.sciousness of having at- 
tempted fluthfully to disch.arge my duty, and the 
approbation of my country, will be a sufticlent rec- 
ompense for my services. 

" I have the honour to be, &.c. Sec. 

" GEO: WASHINGTON. 
'' Iliri Excellency tl)c P^t•^idcnt in Congress." 

This energetic letter, connected Nvith recen: 
events, induced Congress to decide on the claims 
of the army. These were licpiidrited, and the 



GKOUGR WASHINGTON. 



179 



amount acknowledged to be due from the United 
■States. 

Soon after these events, intelligence of a gener- 
al peace was received. The reduction of the ar- 
my was therefore resolved upon, but the mode of 
eftecting it required deliberation. To avoid the 
inconveniences of dismissing a great numi^er of 
soldiers in a bod\% furloughs were freely granted 
on the application of individuals, and after their 
dispersion, they were not enjoined to return. By 
this arrangement a critical u-oment was got over. 
A great part of an unpaid army was dispersed over 
the states without tumult or disorder. 

While the veterans servino" under the immcdi- 
«-> 

ate eye of their beloved commander in chief, man- 
ifested the utmost good temper and conduct, a 
mutinous disposition broke out among some new 
levies stationed at Lancaster, m Pennsylvania. 
About eigiity of this description marched in a 
body to Philadelphia, where they were joined by 
some other troops, so as to amount in the whole to 
three hundred. They marched with fixed bayo- 
nets to the sttite house, in which Congress and the 
state executive council held their sessions, 'iliey 
placed guards at every door, and ihreutencd the 
prt bident and council of the state with letting loose 
an enraged soldiery upon them, unless they griint- 
ed their demands in twenty minutes. As soon as 
this outrage was known to Washington, he de- 
tached Gen. Howe with a competeiu force to sup- 
press the mutiny. This was effected without 
bloodshed before his arrival. The mutnieerb were 
too inconsiderable to commit extensive mischief; 
but their disgraceful conduct excited the greatest 



180 THK UFF. op 

indignation in the breast of the commander in 
cliKl. \NiiK-n \\\is expressed m a kiur to the pies 
idcnt of Congress in the fv)rio\vini^ words. *' VVhiU 
1 biiifer the most poii^tiaui distress in observiiii^- 
thai a handful of men, et)nten\plible in numbers, 
and equally so in point of sei vice, if the veteran 
troops trom the southward have not been sedueed 
bv their example, and who are noi worthy to be 
called soldiers, should disi;Tace themselves and 
their country as the Perais) Ivania nuUinecrs ha\c 
done, by nisultinii; the sovereign antliority of the 
United States, and that of their own, I feci aii in- 
expressible satisfaction that even this behaviour 
cannot stain tlie nunc of the American soldiery. 
It cannot be imputable to, or r«. ilect dishonour on, 
the armv at lart^e ; but on the contrary, it will, by 
the striking contrast it exhibits, hold up to public 
riew the other troops in the most advantageous 
point of light. Upon taking all the cneum.stvin- 
ces into eonsideraiion, I cannot sullieiently express 
mv surprise and indignation at the arrogance, the 
folly, and the wickedness, of the mutineers ; nor 
can" 1 sullieiently ltd mire tlie fidelity, the brawry, 
and patriotism, which must for ever signalize the 
unsullied character of the other corps of our ar- 
my. For when we consider that these Pennsyl- 
vania levies who have now mutinied are recruits 
and soldiers of a day, who have not borne the heat 
atid burden of the war, and who can have in reali- 
ty very icw hardships to complain of; and when 
we at the same time recollect tivit those soldiers 
who have lately been furlonghed from this army, 
are the veterans who liave patiently er.dnicd hun- 
ger, nakedness, and cold ; who have suffered and 



Gr/;R<;E WASHIN'</rOK. 



181 



bled without a murmur, and who, with perfect 
goo^ order, have retired to ihtir [jomes witfiout a 
settlement of their accounts or a farthi:i^ of mojiey 
in their pOf:kets ; we shall be as much astoiii->hed 
at the virtues of the latter, as we art struck with 
detestation at the proceedings of the former." 

While arranf^ements were makiuj^ for the final 
dismission of the army, Gen. Wa.'vhifigton was 
lookin}^ forward with anxiety to the future desti- 
nies of the United States. Ma':h of his attention 
was devoted to a serious consideration of such es- 
tablishments as the independence of his country 
rerinired. On these subjects, he freely communi- 
cated with Congress, and recomuiended that great 
dii'gence should \x: used in forming a well regu- 
lated and disciplined militia during pe.ice, as the 
best means for securing the fuuire tranquil lily and 
respectability of the nation. He also addressed 
the following circular letter to the Governors of 
each of the Slates. 



" IIKM) QCAKTKRfi, X';*!, is^h. Jar.- l«i, 17>X 
"SIR, 

'' The object for which I had the honour to hold 
an appointment in the service of my country, Ixf- 
ing accomplished, I am now prqjaring to resign 
it into the hands of Congress, and return to that 
dofMcstic retirement, which, it is well known, I 
left with the greatest reluctance ; a retirement for 
which I have never ceased to sigh thiough a long 
and painful absence, in which, remote front the 
noise and trouble of the world, 1 mw'iuite to p.'.sfi 
the remainder of hie, in a slate of undisturbed rc- 

ir 



182 



THR LIFE OF 



pose ; but, before I carry this resolution into ef- 
fect, I Think it a duty incumbent on me to i^iike 
this my lubt oflicial communication, to conirratn- 
late you on the glorious events which heaven has 
been pleased to produce in our favour ; to offer 
my sentiments respecting some important subjects, 
which appear to me to be intimately connected 
with the tranquillity of the United States; to Uike 
any leave of your excellency as a public charac- 
ter; and to give my final blessing to that country, 
in whose service I have spent the prime of my 
life ; for whose sake I have consumed so many 
anxious days and w^atchlul nights, and whose hap- 
piness, being extremt ly dear to me, will always 
constitute no inconsiderable part of my own. 

*' Impressed witli the livt liest sensibility on this 
pleasing occasion, I will claim the indulgence of 
diln'.ing the more copiously on the subject of our 
mutual felieitation. When we consider the mag- 
nitude of the prize we contended for, the doubt- 
ful rsature of the contest, aiid the favourable man- 
ner in which it has terminated ; we shciil fuid the 
greatest possible reason for gratitude and rejoic- 
ing. Tlus is a theme that will afford mfiniie de- 
light to every benevolent and liberal mind, wheth- 
er the event in contemplation be considered as a 
somce of present enjoyment, or the parent of fu- 
ture h;:pj)iness ; and '.ve shall have equal occiision 
to felicitate ouri,elves on'the lot which Providence 
has assigned us. whether \re view it in a natiual, a 
poli;ical, or moral point of ligh'. 

" The eiiizens of Americ-i, i)laced in tht most 
enviable condition, as the sole; lords and proj)rie- 
tors of a vast tract of continent, consprehending all 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



18^ 



the various soils unci climates of the world, and 
abounding' witii all the necessaries and convenien- 
ces of life, are now, by the late satisfactory pacifi- 
cation, ackno\vlcdged to be possessed of absolute 
freedom and independency ; tiiey are from this pe- 
riod to be considerc d as the actors on a most con- 
spicuous theatre, which seems to be peculiarly de- 
sit^ned by Providence for the display of human 
greatness and felicity. Here they are not only 
surrounded u'itii every thini^ that can contribute to 
the completion of private and domestic enjoyment ; 
but heaven has crowned all its other blessiiigs, by 
givin;.^ a surer opportunity for poliiical hapj)iness, 
than any other nation has ever been favoured with. 
Nothing can iliustratethese observations more forc- 
ibly ll^^n a recoiiection of the happy conjuncture 
of times and circumstances, under which our re- 
public assumed its rank among the nations. The 
foundation of our empire was not laid in a gloomy 
age of ignorance and superstition, butatancpocha 
when the rights of mankind were better under- 
stood and more clearly defined, than at any former 
period. Researches of the human mind after so- 
C'il happiness have been carried to a great extent ; 
the treasures ot knowledge acquired by the labours 
of philosopbtcrs, sages, and legislators, through a 
lor.g succession of \ears, are laid open for us, and 
their collected wisdom may be happily applied in 
the establishment of our forms of government. 
The free cultivation of letters, t!ie unbounded ex- 
tension of commerce, the progressive refinement 
of manners, the growing liberality of seniiuent; 
arid, above ail, t!ie pure and ijenign light of rev- 
ekitiou;, have liad a meliorating iuiluence on mail- 



184 



THE UVV. OF 



kind, and increased the blessings of society. At 
this auyipicious period, the United StateiiCame in- 
to existence as a nation ; and if their citizens shonld 
not be completely free andhaj^py, the lank will be 
entirely their own. 

*' Such is our siluation, and such aie our pros- 
pects, ihit notwithsianding the cup ofblcsbino-is 
thus reached out tons; notwiihstanding- hapjuness 
is ours, if we have a disposition to seize the oc- 
casion, and make it our own ; yet it appears to 
nic there is an option still left to the United States 
ot" America, whcUier they will be respectable and 
pir.s[>erous, or contemptible and miserable as a 
nudon. This is the tinse of their political proba- 
tion ; this is the moment when the eyes of the 
whole world arc turned upon them ; this is the 
time to establisli or ruin their national character 
for ever ; this is the favourable moment to |>ivc 
such a tone to the federal "government, as will en- 
able it to answer the ends of its institution ; or^ 
this may be the ill fated moment for ixlaxing the 
powers of the union, annihilating' the cement of 
the confederation, and exposinor us to become the 
sport of Kuropeaii politics, which may play one 
state against another, to prevent their i^-rowingim- 
poriance, and to serve their own interested jnirpo- 
ses. i''or, according' to tlie system of policy die 
states shall adopt at this moment, Uiey will stand 
or f.-.ll ; and, by dieir confnmation or lapse, it is 
vet to be decided, whedier die revolution must ul- 
timately be .considered as a blessing or a curse ; a 
blessing or a curse, not to the pi-esent age alone, 
for with our fate will the destiny of unborn miU 
lions be iuvohed. 



f.EOrtCK WASIIINV.TON 18^' 

" With this conviction oftlr: importance of the 
present crisis, silence in nie wonld t)e a crime ; I 
will therefore speak to your excellency the lan- 
j^uage of freedom and sinceiit.y, uitliont disguise* 
I am aware, however, those who difF.-r from me in 
political sentiments may, perhaps, remark, I am 
stepping out of the proper line of ni}- duty ; and 
they may possibl}' ascrilje to arrogance or osten- 
tation, what I know is alone the result of the purest 
intention. But the rectitude of my own heart, 
which disdains such unworthy motives ; the part 
I have hitherto acted in life ; the determination I 
have formed of not taking any share in public bu- 
siness hereafter; the ardent desire f feel, andsliall 
continue to manifest, of cjuielly enjoying in private 
life, after all the toils of war, the benefits of a wise 
and liberal governmeiit, will, I flatter myself, soon- 
er or later, convince my countr men, that I could 
have no sinister views in delivering uith so little 
reserve the opinions coJitaiijcd in this address. 

'' There are four things which I humbly con- 
ceive are essential to the well being, 1 rn^iy even 
venture tosciy to the existence, of the United Slates 
as an independent power. 

" 1st. An indissoluble union of the states under 
one federal head. 

" 2dly. A sacred regard to public justice, 

" 3dly. The adoption of a proper peace estab- 
lishment. And, 

" 4thly. 'i'he prevalence of that pacific and 
friendly disposition aniong the people of the Unit- 
ed Stares, wiiicfi will induce them to forget their 
local prejudices and policies ; to make those mu- 
17* 



180 Tin: MFE OF 

Vj-\\ concessions ^vliich arc requisite to the genci'- 
ill prosperity ; and, in some instances, to sacrifice 
their indivitJuul advantages to tlic interest of the 
commnnity 

" Tlicse aic the pillars on which the i^lorious 
fabric of our independency and national cliaracter 
must be suj)ported. Liberty is the basis ; and 
whoever would dare lo s:ip the fmuKlatioji, or over- 
turn the structure, under whatever specious pre- 
text he may attempt it, will merit the bitterest ex- 
ccraiion, and the severest punishment, which can 
be inflicted by his injured country. 

" Oil the tliree first articles I will make a few 
observations ; leaving the last to the ^tj;ood sense 
and serious consideration of those immediately 
concerned. %^ 

*' Under the first head, although it may not be 
nccc^3:-ary or proper for mo in this place to enter 
into a particular disquisition of the principles of 
the union, and to take up theg'rcat question which 
has been frequently agitated, whether it be expe- 
dient and requisite for the states to delegate a larg- 
er proportion of power to Congress, or not ; yet 
it will be a part of my duty, and liuitof every true 
patriot, to assert, without reserve, and to insist 
upon tlie following positions. That unless .the 
states will sutler Congress to exercise those prev 
logatives they are imdoubtedly invested with by 
tlic constitution, every thing must very rapidly 
tend to anarchy and confusion ; that it isindispen. 
sal)!;^ to the happiness of the individual states, that 
there, sliould be lodged, somewhere, a supreme 
pon\r to regulate and govern the general concerns 
«f the confederated republic, ^vithout whidi the 



(.r,oi;f;r, wAsriixf/(0>r. 187 

union cannot be of louj^ duration ; that there must 
be a t-iithful and pointed compliance on the part 
of every state with the late propf>sals and demands 
of Congress or the most fatal consequences will 
ensue ; that whatever measures have a tendency 
to dissolve the union, or contribute to violate or 
lessen the sovereign authority, ought to be con- 
sidered as hostile to the liberty and independency 
of America, ai-.d the authors of thetn treated ac- 
cordingly. And lastly, that unless we can be en- 
abled by the concurrence of the slates to partici- 
pate of the fruits of the revoluiion, and enjoy the 
essential benefus of civil society, under a form of 
governmc nt so [rtK; and uneorruptcd, so happily 
guarded against the danger of oppression, as has 
])cen devised aiid adopted by the articles of con- 
federation, it will be a subject of regret, that so 
tnuch blood and treasure have been lavished for 
no i)urpose ; that so many sufferings have been 
encountered without a'compensation, and tliat so 
many sacrifices h:ive been made in vain. Many 
other considerations might here be adduced to 
prove, tliat without an entire conformity to the 
spirit of the union, we cannot exist as an indepen- 
dent power. It will be sufficient for my purpose 
to mention but one or two, which seem to me of 
the greatest importance. It is only in our united 
character, as an em[/ire, that our mdependence is 
acknowledged, that our power can be regarded, or 
our credit supi>orted among foreign nations. The 
treaties of the PUiropean powers with the United 
States of Ameiica, will have no validity on a dis- 
solution of tlie union. We shall be left nearly in 
a state of nature ; or we may find, by our own un- 



188 THE LIFE OF 

happy experience, that there is a natural and nec- 
essary progression from tht- extreme of anarchy to 
the extreme of tyranny ; and that arbitrary power 
is most easily establishtd on the ruins of liberty 
abused to licentiousness. 

" As to the second article, which respects the 
perfornance of public justice, Congress have, in 
their late address to the United States, almost ex- 
hausted the subject; they have explained their 
ideas so fully, and have enforced the obligations 
the states are uiider to render complete justice to 
all the ptiblic creditors, with so much dignity and 
energy, that, in my opinion, no real friend to ^lie 
honour and independency of America can hesitate 
a single moment respecting the propriety of com- 
plying with the just and honourable measures pro- 
posed. If their arguments do not produce con- 
viction, I know of nothing that will have greatei* 
influence^ especially when we reflect that the sys- 
tem referred to, being the result of the collected 
wisdom of the continent, must be esteemed, if not 
perfect, certainly the least objectionable of any that 
could be devised ; and that, if it should not be 
carried into immediate execution, a national bat)k- 
ruptcy, with all its deplorable consequences, will 
take place before any different plan can possibly 
be proposed or adopted ; so pressing are the pres- 
ent circumstances, and such is the alternative now 
offered to the slates. 

" llie ability of the country to discharge the 
debts which have been incurred in its defence, is 
not lo be doubted ; and inclination, i flatter my- 
self, will not be w.uiting. The piuh of our duty 
is plain before us ; honesty will be found, on ev* 



GEORGK WAS!JIKGTO:»f. 189 

ery experiment, to be the best and only true pol- 
icy. Let us then, as a nation, be just ; let us ful- 
fil the public contracts whicli Conj^ress had un- 
doubtLdly a right to make for the purpose of car- 
ryiiig on the war, with the same good fciith we 
suppose ourselves bound to perfcnni oui- private 
engagements. In the mean time, let an attentioa 
to the cheerful performance of tiicir proper busi- 
ness, as individuals, and as members of society, 
be earnestly inculcated on the citizens of Ameri- 
ca ; then will they strengthen the bands of govern- 
ment, and be happy under its protection. Every- 
one will reap the fruit of his labours ; every one 
will enjoy his own acquisitions, without molesta- 
tion and without danger. 

" In this state of absolute freedom and perfect 
security, who will grudge to yield a very little of 
his property to support the connnon interests of 
society, and ensure the protection of government? 
Who does not remember the frequent declarations 
at the commencement of the war, That we should 
be completely satisBe*^, if, at the expense of one 
half, we could defend the remainder of our pos- 
sessions ? Where is the man to be found, who 
v/ishes to remain in debt, for tiie defence of his 
own person and property, to the exert'ons, the 
bravery, and the blood of others, without making 
one generous effort to pay the debt of honour and 
of gratitude? In v^hat part of the continent shall 
we find any man, or body of men, who would not 
blubh to stand up and pro]:)ose measures pur- 
posely calculated to rob the soldier of his sti- 
pend, and the pu!)iic creditor of his due? And 
were it possible that such a flagrant instance of 



190 THE LIFE OF 

injustice could ever happen, would it not excite 
the {>eneial indignation, and tend to bring down 
upon the authorb of such nieasures the aggravated 
vengeance of heaven ? If, after all, a spirit of dis- 
union, or a temper of obstinacy and pervcrseness 
should nianlfest itself in any of tix- stales ; if such 
an ungracious disposition should attempt to frus- 
trate all the happy effects that might be expected 
to flow from the union ; if there should be a refu- 
sal to comply wiih requisitions for funds to dis- 
charge the annual interest of the public debts; and 
if tliat refusal should revi\'e all those jealousies, 
and produce all those evils, which are now luppi- 
\y removed, Congress, who have in all their trans- 
actions shov;n a great dcgtee of magnanimit}' and 
justice, will stand justified in the sight of God 
and man! Wnd that state alone, which puts itself 
in opposition to the aggregate wisdom of the con- 
tine iii, and iollows such mistaken and pernicious 
councils, v.ill be responsible for all the conse- 
quences. , 

** For my own part, con^ious of having acted 
while a servant of the public, in the manner I con- 
ceived best suited to pron\ote the real interests of 
ni} country ; having in consequence of my fixed 
belief, in some measure pledged myself to the ar- 
my, Uiat their country would finally do tliem com- 
plete and ample justice ; and not wishiiig to con- 
ceal any mstance of my official conduct from the 
eyes of the ^vorld, I huvc thought ]>roper to trans- 
miv lo your excellency the enclosed coUectioii of 
p;r ,'s, lelative to the half pay and eomaiUtaiion 
gr c(! by Congicss, to the olficer.s of tne army. 
From these comnumications mv decided senti- 



GEORGE WASniN-GTOV. 191 

inent will be clearly cornprehendcd, together with 
the conclusive reasons whieh iuductd me, at an 
early period, to recommend the adoption of this 
measure in the most earnest and serious manner. 
As the proceedings of Congress, the army, and 
myself, are open to all, and contain; in my opin- 
ion, sufficient inforination to remove the prejudi- 
ces and errors which may have been entertained 
by any, i think it unnecessary to say any ihing 
more than just to observe, that the resolutions of 
Congress, now alluded to, are as undoubcedly 
and absolutely binding upon the United States, as 
the most solemn acts of conR deration or legislation. 

" As to the idea whieh, 1 am informed, has in 
some instances prevailed, that the half pay and 
commutation are to be regarded merely in the odi- 
Guj^ light of a penSiOn, it ought to be exploded 
for ever ; that provision should be viewed, as it 
really was, a reasonable compensation offered by 
Congress, at a time when they had nothing else to 
give to oilivjers of the army, for services then to 
be pL"rl"ormed. It was the only iiieans to prevent 
a total dereliction o- the service. It was a part 
of their hire ; I m;»y be allonx-d to siy, it was the 
price of their blood, and of your independeiicy. 
It is therefore more than a common debt ; it is a 
debt of honour ; it can never be considei ed as a 
pension, or gratuity, nor cancelled until it is fairly 
diseh.irged. 

" With regard to the distinction between offi- 
cers and soldiers, it is sufficient that the uniform 
experience oi" every nation of the world rombined 
with our own, proves the utihty and piopriet\ of 
the discrimination. Rewards in proportion to the 



192 THE LIl E OF 

aid the public draws from them, are unquestiona- 
bly due to all its servants. In some lines, the 
soldiers hive perhaps, (generally, had as ample 
compensation tor their services, by the large boun- 
ties which have been paid them, as their officers 
will receive in the proposed commutation ; in oth- 
ers, if, beside the donation of land, the payment 
of arrearages of clothing and wages, m which ar- 
ticles all the component parts of the army must 
be put upon the same footing, we take into the 
estimate the bounties many of the soldiers have re- 
ceived, and the gratuity of one year's full pay, 
which is pro.nised to all, possibly their situation, 
every circumstance being duly considered, will 
not. be deemed less eligible than that of the officers. 
Should a farther rewanl, however, be judged equi- 
table, 1 Will venture to assert, no man will enjoy 
greater satisfaction than myself, in an exemption 
from taxes for a limited time, which has been pe^ 
titioned for in some instances, or any other ade- 
quate immunity or compensation granted to the 
brave defenders of their country's cause. But 
neither the adoption or rcjc ction of this proposi- 
tion will, in any manner, affect, much less militate 
against, the act of Congress, by which they have 
offered five years full pay, in lieu of the half {)ay 
for life, which had been before promised to the of- 
ficers of the army. 

" Before 1 conclude the subject on public jus- 
tice, I cannot omit to mention the obligations this 
country is under to that meritorious class of vete- 
rans, the non comn.issioned officers and privates, 
who i>avf been discharged for ii^iability, in conse- 
quence of the resolution of Congress, of the 23d. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



193 



of April, 1782, on an annual pension for life. 
Their peculiar sufferings, their singular merits 
and claims to that provision, need only to be known, 
to interest the feelings of humanity in their behalf. 
Nothing but a punctual payment of their annual 
allowance, can rescue them from the most conipli- 
cated misery ; and nothing could be a more mel- 
ancholy and distressing sight, than to behold those 
who have shed their blood, or lost their limbs in 
the service of iheir country, without a shelter, 
without a friend, and without the means of ob- 
taiinng any of the comforts or necessaries of life, 
compelled to beg their bread daily- from door to 
door. Suffer me to recommend those of this de- 
scription, belonging to your state, to the warm- 
est patronage of your excellency and your legisla- 
ture. 

" It is necessary to say but a few words on the 
thi xl topic which was proposed, and which regards 
j)articularly the defence of the republic ; as there 
can be little doubt but Congress will recommend 
a proper peace establishment for the United States, 
in which a due attention will be paid to die im- 
portance of placing the militia of the Union upon 
a regular and respectable fooling. If this should 
be the case, I should beg leave to urge the great 
advantage o#it in the strongest terms. 

" The militia of this country must be consider- 
ed as the palladium of our security, and the first 
effectual resort in case ol hostiliiy. It is essen- 
tial, therefore, that the same system should per- 
vade the whole ; that the formation and discipline 
of the militia of the continent should be absolute- 
18 



194 T»1R UVF. OF 

l}-^ uniform ; and that the same species of arms, 
accoutrcmenls, and military apparatus, should he 
introduced in every part of the United States. No 
one, who has not learned it from experience, can 
conceive the diiliculty, expense, and confusion, 
which result from a contrary system, or the vague 
arrangements which have hitherto prevailed. 

" ii\ in treatini^- of |)olitical points, a p;reater lat- 
itude than usual has been taken in the course of 
the address; the import.mce of tlie crisis, and the 
magnitude of the oljccls in d.scussion, must be 
niv apology. It is, however, neither my wish nor 
expectation, i>nt the preceding observations should 
claim any regard, except so far as tUey shall ap- 
pear to be dictated by a good intention, consonant 
to the immutable rules of justice ; calculated to' 
produce a liberal system of policy, and fonndedon 
whatever experience nuty have been ai fjuired, by 
a long and close attenlion to public business. 
Here I might speak with more coniidence, from 
my actual observations ; and if it would not s\\ ell 
this letter, already too prolix, beyond the bounds 
I had prescribed myself, 1 could demonstrate to 
e\'ery mind, open to conviction, that in less time, 
and with much less expense than has been incur- 
red, the war might have been brought to the same 
happy conclusion, if the resources oBlie continent 
could have been proj)erly called lorth ; "that the 
distresses and disappointments which have very 
ofte.i occurred, have, in too many instances, re- 
sulied more froni a want of energy in the conti- 
nental government, than a deficiency of means in 
the panicular states ; that the ineiiicacy of the 



iiV.OlKlK WARiriNGTON. 



19S 



measures, arisini^ from the want of an adequate 
auihoiity in the supreme power, from a partial 
compliance with the re([uisitions of Conf^ress, in 
some of the states, and from a failure of ])unctual- 
iiy in others, while they tended to damp the zeal 
of those who were more willing to exert them- 
selves, served also to accumulate the expenses of 
the war, and to frustrate the best concerted plans ; 
and that the discouragement occasioned by the 
complicated difKculties and embarrassments, in 
which our afl'airs were by this means involved, 
would have long ago produced the dissolution of 
any army, less patient, less virtuous, and less per- 
severing, than that which I have had the honour 
to command. But while I mention those tilings 
which are notorious facts, as the defects of our 
federal constitution, particularly in the prosecution 
of.; war, I beg it may Ijc understood, that as I have 
ever taken a pleasure in gratefully acknowledging 
the assistance and support I have derived from 
every class of citizens ; so shall I always be hap- 
py to do justice to the unparalleled exertions of 
the individual states, on many interesting occasions. 

" I have tlius freely disclosed what I wished to 
make known, before I surrendered up my public 
trust to those who committed it to me. The task 
is now accomplished ; 1 now bid adieu to your 
excellency, as the chief magistrate of your state ; 
at the same time, I bid a last farewell to the cares 
ofofiice, and all the employments of public life. 

" It remains, then, to be njy final and only re- 
quest, that your excellency will communicate 
these sentiments, to your legislature, at their next 
meeting ; and that they may be considered as the 



196 



TIIK LIFK OK 



Ifo-acy of otie who lias ardently wished, on all oc- 
casions, to be useful to his country, and who, ev- 
en in the shade of retirement, will not fail to im- 
plore tlie divine benediction upoji it. 

" I now make it my earnest prayer, that God 
would have you, and the state over which you 
preside, in his holy i)roteclion ; that he would in- 
cline the hearts ol' the citizens to eulti\ate a spir- 
it of subordination and obedience to t^overnment ; 
to entertain a brotherly alVection a!)d love for one 
another ; for their fellovvcitizens of the United 
States at larj^e, and particularly for their brethren 
who have served in the field ; and, finally, that 
he would most i^raciously be pleased to dispose 
us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean 
ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific 
temper of the mind, which were the characteris- 
tics of the divine author of our blessed relij^ion ; 
without an humble imitation of whose example, in 
these things, we can never hope to be a happy nation. 

'* I have the honour to be, 
*' with much esteem and respect, 
*' Sir, your excellency's most obedient, 
" and most humble servant, 

" GEO ■■ WASHINGTON " 

The second of November was fixed for dis- 
charging- that part of the army which was engag- 
ed to serve during the war. On that day. Gen. 
Washington issued his farewell orders to the ar- 
mies of the United States in the most endearing 
language. After giving tliem his advice respect- 



fJKOIlGK WASniNC.TON. 197 

ing their future conduct, and innploring the choic- 
est of heaven's blessinL,^s in then- favour, he bade 
them an aftectionale farewell.* 

On the 25th. of the same month, the British 
evacuated New Yoik, and Gen. Washington made 
his public entry into it, where he was received 
with I very mark of respect and attention. 

The hour now approached in which it became 
necessary for the American chief to take leave of 
his officers who had been endeared to him by a 
long series of common sufferings and dangers. 
This was done in a solemn manner. The officers, 
having previously assembled for the purpose, Gen. 
Washington joined them, and calling for a glass 
of wine, thus addressed them ; " With an heart 
full of love and gratitude, I now take leave of you. 
I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be 
as prosperous and happ\ as your former ones have 
been glorious and honovirable." Having drank 
he added, " I cannot come to each of you, to 
take my leave, but shall be obliged to you, if each 
of you will come and take me by the hand." Gen. 
Knox being next, he turned to him Incapable 
of utterance, Washington grasped his hand and 
embraced him. The officers came up successive- 
ly, and he look an affectionate leave of each of 
them. Not a word was articulated on either side. 
A majestic silence prevailed. The tear of sensi- 
bility glistened in every eye. The tenderness of 
the scene exceeded all description. When the 
last of the officers had taken his' leave, Washing- 
ton left the room and passed through the corps of 

* Foi- tills Address, sec Appendix. 

18* 



198 IH^ LIFE OP 

lie^ht infiintry, to the place of embarkation. Tlu* 
oflti<"ers followed in a solemn mute procession, wiili 
dejected countenances. On his entering the barge 
to cross the North River, he turned toward the 
companions of his glory, and by waving his hat, 
bid them a silent adieu. Some of them answered 
this last signal of respect and affection with tears ; 
and all of them hung upon the barge which con- 
veyed him from their sight, till they could no long- 
er distinguish in it the person of their beloved 
commander in chief. 

The army being disbanded, Washington pro- 
ceeded to Annapolis, then the seat of Congress, to 
resign his commission. On his way thither, he, 
of his own accord, delivered to the comptroller of 
accounts in Philadelphia, an account of the expen- 
diture of all the public money he had ever receiv- 
ed. This was in his own hand writing, and every 
entry was made in a very particular manner. 
Vouchers were produced for every item except 
for secret intelligence and service, which amount- 
ed to no more than 1,982/ \0s sterling. The 
whole which in the course of eight years of war, 
had passed through his hands, amounted only to 
14,479/ 18^ 9d sterling. Nothing was charged or 
retained for personal services ; and actual dis- 
bursements had been managed with such econo- 
my and fidelity, that they were all covered by the 
above moderate sum. 

After accounting for all his expenditures of pub- 
lic money, secret service money for obvious reas- 
ons excepted, with all the exactness which. estab- 
lished forms required from the inferior officers of 
his army, he hastened to resign into the hands of 



tiKoiiGK wAsriiNcrioN. 199 

the fathers of his country, the powers with which 
thi^y had investtd him. This was done in a pub- 
lic audience. Conj^rcss received him as the found- 
er and guardian of the rcpuljiic. While he ap- 
peared before lhem,they silently retraced the scenes 
of danger and disness through which (hey had 
passed togethc r. They recalled to mind the bk.'is- 
ings of frecdf)Hi and ptace purcl^<ascd by his arm. 
They gazed with wonder on their ftllowcitizen 
who appeared niore great and worthy of esteem in 
resigning his power, than he h.id done in glorious- 
ly using it. Every heart was big vviih emotion. 
Tears of admiration and gratitude burst from ev- 
ery eye. The general sympathy was felt by the 
resigning hero, and wet his cheek with a manly 
tear. After a decent pause, he addressed Thom- 
as Mifflm, tiie President of Congress, in the fol- 
lowing words. 

" ym i'Uksid!:nt, 

" The great events on which my resignation 
depended, havin.*- at length taken place, I have 
now the honour of offering m\ sincere congratula- 
tions to Congress, and.of presenting myself before 
them to surrender iiUo' their h.inds the trust com- 
mitted to me, and to claim the i.idulgence of re- 
tiring from the service of my country. 

" Happy in the confirmation of our mdepen- 
^ence and sovereignty, and pleased with the oppor- 
tunity affe)rded the United Suites of becoming a 
respectable nation, I resign wiih satisfaction the ap- 
pe>intment I accepted wilh diffidence ; a diffidence 
in my abilities to accomplish so arduous a task, 
which, however, was superseded by a confidence 



200 TIIK I. IFF, OV 

in the rectitude of our cause, the su]iport ol" the 
supreme power ol the union, autl the patronage ol 
hLaven. 

'' The successful termination of the war has ver 
ihcd the most sanguine expectations ; and mv grat- 
itude for the interposition of Providence, and the 
assistance 1 have received from my couuuvmen, 
increases with every ix view of the momentous con- 
test. 

*' Wliile I repeat my obHgations to the army in 
general, I should do n.jus'.ice to my own feelings, 
not to acknowledge in this place, the jieculiir ser- 
vices and distinguislkd merits of liie persons who 
have been attaclied to ni} person during the war. 
It was impossible the choice of coi^fidential oflicers 
to compose my family should luive been more for- 
tunate. Permit me, Sir, to recommtind in partic- 
ular, those who have continued in the service to 
the pieseut moment, as worthy of the favourable 
nonce and patronage of Congress. 

'' 1 consider it as an indispensable duty to close 
this last solemn act of my oliicial life, by connneiuU 
ing the interests of our dearest country to the pro- 
tection of Almighty CJod, and those who have the 
superintendence of thtni to his holy keeping. 

'' Having now (inished the work assign».>d me, 
I retire from the great theatre of action ; and, bid- 
ding an ailectionare farewell to this august botly, 
under whose orders i have long acted, 1 here ofter 
my cummission, and take my leave of all the em- 
ployments of public iile.''"* 

• T\\c oitmtuission now ivUinu-tl to ron,!»rcss, luiil liccii I'l-ei-ivf d litim 
'•icm slioitlv alur the ouiumciicciacut o( hostilities. It was uocomps. 



(li-.if'.'j.i, w \-'!i*;(;'roN'. 



201 



This JuUlrcss Ixiiij^ crided, Gen. Washin^on 
advMnc( d and dtlivercd his commission into the 
hands of" the President of Conj^ress, who replied 
as I'ollovvs ; 

nU'i\ with an iin«fiirnon»i pfiwliifion of the delegate* of tin; L'nitfd C.i,]- 
Oiij x, '* 'VUut Ihey wfnilil roaintnin, »«(i»>i*t, «t«! a«lhi i«; U» (n-nif't 
Wadhiii^^Mi, with their livt-it uu<\ f'titnituH, in lh« canoe of Axierican lib- 
erty." 'I'hc c-innutrn'tou, drawn hj a (♦pceial cr>n»fiiitt«;c, wa» in the fol- 
lowin^j wordK ; 

" Tin; de!<-j^ate« of tlur (Jnilcd Colonicti of Sew narn|>«>liirc, Mansa- 
«h'i*ctt»' Hay, Uhodc Uland, ronnccticul^ New Vork. New .lericy, 
I'ctinxjivania, the eounties of New I'zitHv, Kent, and Sn»«ex, on Dela- 
ware ( Maryland, Vir^jinia, North Carolina, an<l Mouth Carolrna, 

* "TO riKOHGK WASHINGTON, KSq, 

" We, repoHiofj special trij»l and confirlence in yonr palriotiHir), val- 
onr, conduct, anri fidelity, do by the«e pre<ient<i comttitna' an<l appoint 
you to he Oeneral, and Coniruander iii.(;hitf of the army of the United 
ColonieH, aii<l of all the forcrii now raitM'd or Uj he raised by tlifin, and 
of all other* who »ihal! volnutarily oifir their iierviee atid join the «aid 
artny, for the defence of American liberty, and for reiiellinfj every hos- 
tile inva«ion thereof; and yon iire hereb) vcftted with fidl power and au- 
thority, to act as you itliail think for the good and welfare of the itervice. 
*' Atif! we do hereby dtrictly cliarge and rcfjuire all oJficerit and wjld- 
lerH under your command, to l)c obedient to your ordcr«, and dilij^entia 
the exercise of their several du(ic». 

•' And wc do also enjoin aii<l refjuire you to he careful in exercising 
■Meat trust re|»f>«e<l in you, by causing strict discipline arid order to 
' -served in the army, and tjiat the soldiers be duly exerciwd and pro- 
sitiud v/itli all convenient necciisuriev. 

" And you are to regulate your conduct in every respect by the ruie« 
iind discipline of war, as herewith given j'>u, and punctually to observe 
and follow such orders and di ice firms from time to time, as you shall re- 
eeive from lliin, or a future (Jongresi of these United (Jolonies, or aom- 
jiiittrc of C'ongi'csj. 



202 



I I IK Ml K OK 



" The United States in Conp;rcss nssemhlccl, re 
ceivc with ciDotions too aiilciins;- lor ultt raiicc, tlu 
soknin R'sii^iujlion of the authoritjcs ui\(icr w li'u 1 
you have kd llitir troops >\ilh success, through: 
perilous and doubt t\il war. 

" Calkcl upon by your country to defend its in- 
vaded lights, you aeetpled die sacred charj^e be 

*• Tl»is coinniission lo oonlimio in fon-t", imiil rovukod bv iliis, or : 
future Coiig,rcss. 

(sis^^neil) "PKVTitX li WUOI.IMI, l»resul.M>t. 

(Auosi) 'v H.VKLK.S TilOMSON, Sccii-lary. 

••June I7tl(. trr.i." 

At the'time this commission was accepted, the l^niteil Colonies had 
no assurance of toi> i_s;n ;issistance, auti were without estahlishc«l j^n em- 
inent, RiMus, inM<i^zines, forts, money, irailo, navy, disciplined troops, or; 
experienceil officers. 

At tlie same time th( y were drnounced h\ tlieirsovereisjn as in a state 
ofivUollion, Wasliin;j;ton, hy accoptiiig the conimand of (l>cir armies, 
not >n\\\ subjected one of the hxrgest estates in Anurica to conlisialion, 
but his life to execution. The ilitliiience ho avowed on the occasion, 
vas not the oonuHon cant of successful candiihUes for promotion, nor did I 
it arise from apprehensions of personal danger ; hut Mas the oftsprinsjofi 
excessive Mjodesty. Thou.!»h «illing;to risk every thin{j<Mi the contest, 
lie really distrusted his ability to contend in regular war, with the expe. 
rienced tienerals of Hiiiain. The »U>ubts and fesn-s wliich for son»e tiiue 
kept him in suspense, at length yielded to a conviction of duly, ami the 
earnest invitation oftViends, who jppreciattd his talents ju^re correct- 
ly than he tlitl himself. On the event of hisdeclii^ing; the high t'-mmis- 
sion, as was for some time expected, it was privately resolved tOet>nfer 
It on Ceu. WunI, of Massachnselia. \\ h.tt wotdd have been the issue 
of the military opp'»sitiim of America conducted by that much e..^teemet! 
officer, no one can tell ; but without invidious comparison, it nia\ !>i' 
S»»felv alVirmed, ihst it could ni)l h:ivc been more successful lli.in v 
flic auspices of Washington. 



f.r.oiiCK WA^:Tii\(;'roN. 



203 



fore it had formed alliances, and whilst it was with- 
out friends or a govcriimcMt to support )oii. 

" You have conducud ih'j^rc.it nii!iUiry contest 
with wisdom and fortiuid< , invariably regarding 
the rights of the civil power through all disasters 
and changes. You have by the love and confi- 
dence of your fcllowcilizens, enaijled them to dis- 
play their martial genius, and transmit their fame 
to posterity ; you have persevered till these Unit- 
ed States, aided l)y a magnanimous king and na- 
tion, have been enabled under a just P-ovidcncc, 
to close the war in safety, freedoin, and indv pen- 
dence ; on which happy event we sincerely join 
you in congratulations. 

" Having defend'xl the standard of liberty in 
this new world ; having taugiit a If sson useful to 
those who infliet, and to those who feel oppression, 
you retire Irom the great thca'.re of action with 
the blessings of your fellywcifizens ; but the glo- 
r}' of your virtues will not icrniinate with your niiU 
itary command, it will continue to animate remot- 
est ages. We feel with you our obligations to 
the army in general, and will particuLriy charge 
ourselves witflRhe irjlerest of those confidential of- 
fif-ers who have attended your person to this af- 
fecting moment. 

" We join you in commending the interests of- 
our dearest country to the proteciioi! of Ahnighty 
God, beseeching him to dispose the hearts and 
minds of its citizens to improve the o{)portunity 
afi'orded ih-m of becoming a h'^'ppy and respeeta- 
ble nation ; and for you we address to Hmi our 
earnest prayers, that a life so beloved, may be los- 
teied with all his cure ; iliat your days may be hap- 



204 THE LIFE OK 

pv as tliev have been illustrious, niul that lie w 11, 
finally ,u;ivo you lliat reward which this world can 
not i;-ive.'" 

The military services of Gen. ^V^ashi^l^tc^!!, 
which ended with this interesting day, were as 
great as ever were rendered by any man to any na- 
tion. They were at the same time disinterested. 
How dear would not a mercenary man have sold 
such toils, such dangers, and above all, such suc- 
cesses ? \\ hat schemes oi' grandeur and of power 
would not an ambitious man have built upon the 
aftections of the people and of the army *? The 
gratitude of Ameiica was so lively, that any thing 
asked by iier resigning chief, would have been 
readily granted. He asked notiiing for himself, his 
family, or relations ; but indirectly solicited fa- 
vours for the confidential ollicers who were attach- 
ed to his person. Tliese were young gentlemen 
without fortune, who ha^l served him in the capac- 
ity of Aids de Camp. 'I'o have omitted the op- 
portunity which then ottered, of recommending 
them to their countn 's notice, would have argued 
a degree of insensibility in the bieasu^f ilu ir friend. 
The only priviUge distinguishing wiv\ from other 
private citizens, which the retiring \\'ashington 
did or would receive from his grateful couniry, 
was a right of sending and recening letters free of 
postage. 

The American chief, having by his own volun- 
tary act, become 'one of the people, hastened with 
ineflable delight to his seat at Mount Vernon, on 
the banks of the Potowmac. There, in a short 
time, the most successful Gcik ral in the woild, be- 
came the most diligent farmer m Virginia. 



GEOUOE \V\Hin:\(/r()N. ZU5 

To paF:s suddenly from the toils of the first com- 
mibsioii in the United States to the care of a farm ; 
to Lxehurif^e the instruments of war, for the imple- 
ments of iiusbandry, and to become at once the 
patron and example of ingenious agricuUure, would 
to most men have been a difficult task. But to 
the elevated mind of Washint^ton, it <Vas natural 
and dclif^htfnl. From his example, let the com- 
manders of armies learn, that the fame which is 
acquired by the sword, without gui'it or ambition, 
my be preserved without power or splendour irt 
private life. 



If 



206 THE LIFE OF 



CHAPTER X. 



General 'Washington, on retiring from public life, devotes himself to 

agricultural pursuits Favours inland navig.itioi!. ..lifelines offered 

emoluments from it Urges an alteration of the fundamental rules 

of the society of the Cincinnati — Regrets the defects of the Federal 

system, and recommends a revisal of it Is appointed a member of 

the conti.icntal convention for that purpose, Avhit;!), after hesitation, 

lie accepts Is chosen President thereof.. .Is solicited to accept the 

Presidency of the United States Writes snndry letters e\pref-sive of 

the coiifilit in his mind, between duty and inciinntion Answers ap« 

idioants for 0i'iicc3.....Hi3 reluctance to enter on puljllc life. 



fTiiE sensations of Washington on retiring from 
public business are thus expressed. " I feci os a 
wearied traveller must do, who, after tre;!dip,g ma- 
iiy a painful step with a heavy burden on his shoul- 
ders, is eased of the latter, having reached the ha- 
ven to which all the former u'ere directed, and 
from his house top is looking back and tracing 
with an eager eye, the meanders by which he es- 
caped the quicksi-nds and mires which i.iv i'i his 
Way, and ii.to which none but the Ail Powerful 
Guide and Dispenser of human events, could liave 
prevented his lulling. 



GEORGE y/ASIIINGTOX. 207 

" I have become a private citizen on the banks- 
of the Potowmuc, and, under the shadow of my 
own vine and my owji fi_:^tree, free fiom the bus- 
tle of a camp, and the busy scenes of public life, 
I am solacin^^ myself with those tranquil enjoy- 
ments of which the soldier, who is ever in pursuit 
of fame ; the statesman, whose watchful days and 
sleepless nights are spent in devisinj^ schemes to 
promote the welfare of his own, perhaps the ruin 
of other countries, as if this globe was insufiicient 
for us all ; arid the courtier, who is always watch- 
ing the countenance of his prince, in the hope of 
catching a gracious smile, can liave very little con^ 
.ception. I have not only retired from all public 
employments, but am retiring within myself, and 
shall be able to view the solitary walk, an^I tread 
the paths of private life with hearllelt satisfaction. 
Envious of none, I am dcterniined to'be pleasec} 
with ail ; and this, my dear friend, being the or- 
der of m}^ march, I uill move gently down the 
stream of life, until I sleep with my fathers." 

Agriculture, whicli had always been the favoi|r* 
ite employment of ^Vashing^.on, was novv^ resum^l 
with increasing delight. The energies of his aci 
tive mind were devoted to tliis first and most use- 
ful art. No improvements in the construction of 
farming utensils, no valuable expcrimenti in hus- 
bandry, escaped his attenuo;i. He saw with re- 
gret, the miserable system of cultivation which pre- 
vailed too generally in his native country, und 
wished to introduce a better. With this view he 
eng^iged in a correspondence with soine of di3 
distinguished agriculturists in Great Britain, par- 
ticularly the celebrated Arthur Youiig. He trsrC- 



2M THE LIFK OF 

td the diflcrcnt states of agriculture in the twQ 
countri(-S, in a iijreat degree to the following obvi- 
ous piificiples. In Great Britain, land was dear, 
and labour eheap. In Anierica the reverse look 
j)lace to such a tlcgree, that manuring land was 
conii)aratively neglected, on the mistaken, sliort- 
sighied Idea, that it was cheaper to clear and cul- 
tivate new fields, than ti:> improve" and repair such 
as wete old. To this radical error, which led to 
idleness and a vagabond dispersed j)opulation, he 
opposed the ^^hok weight of his influence. His 
example and recomnRiidations tended to revolu- 
tionize the agriculture of his coimtry, as his val- 
our had revolutionized its government. 

The extension of inland navigation occujiied 
nuich of Washington's attention, at this period of 
€xemptioi^ from public cares. Soon after peace 
was proclaimed, he made a tour as far west' as 
Pittsburgh, aiul also traversed the western parts 
of New England and New York, and examined 
for himself the diffieuUies of bringing the trade of 
the west to difiereut points on the Atlantic. Pos- 
sessed oi an accurate knowledge of t!ie subject, he 
corresponded \\ ith t!ie governors of diftercnt states, 
and other infiuential characters. To them he 
suggested the propriety of making by public au- 
thority, 'an appuinuiient of commissioners of integ- 
lity and ability, whouc duty it slioukl be, after ac- 
curate examination, to ascertain the nearest and 
best portages between such of the eastern and 
western rivers as headed near to each ot'ncr, though 
the\ lan in opi)Obii.e directions ; and also to trace 
the rivers west of the Ohio, to their sources and 
moutlis, as ihey respectively emptied either into 



CKoriGK WASiiixrrroy. 209 

the Ohio, or the lakes of Canada, and to make an 
accurate map of the whole, with observatioas on 
the iinpcdimeiits to be overcome, and the advan- 
taf^es to be acquired on tlic completion of the 
work. 

The views of Washington in advocating the ex- 
tension of inland navigation were grand, af id mag- 
nificent. He considered it as an effectual mean of 
cementing tlie union of the states. In hi-, letter 
to the (Governor of Virgin'iv he observed, " 1 nctd 
not remark to you, sir, that tlie fl luks and rear of 
the United States are possessed ijy other powers, 
and formid.ible ones too ; nor need f press the ne- 
cessity of applying the cement of ifiterest to bind 
all parts of the union together by indis'joluble 
bonds ; especially of binding that part of it which 
lies immediately west of us, to the niiddle states. 
For what ties, let me ask, should we have upon 
those people ; how entirely unconnected with them 
shall we be, and what troubles may we not appre- 
hend, if the Spaniards on their right, and Great 
Biitain on their left, instead of throwing impedi- 
ments in their way as they do now, should hold 
out lures for their trade and alliance ? When they 
get strength, which will be sooner than most peo- 
ple conceive, what will be the consequence of their 
having formed close commerci.sl connexions with 
both or either oi those powers ? It needs not, in 
my opinion, the gift of pro|>hecy to foretell." Af- 
ter sUKing the same thing to a member of Con- 
gress, he proceeds, " It may be asked, how we 
are to j)revent this? liapjjily for ustliewiy is 
plain. Our immediate interebts, as well us re njoto^ 



210 T[1E LITE OF 

politl'il advantages, point to If; wliilst a combi- 
nation of circir.nstanccs render the present time 
moi'e fuvoiira!)le than any other to aecomplish it. 
Extend the inland navigvition of the eastern waters ; 
coninumieate them as near as possible u ith tiiose 
vvlneh run westward ; oj)cn these to the Ouio ; 
open also such as extend Tioni the Ohio toward 
lake Iv'ie ; and wc shall not o;dy draw tJie pro- 
duce of the western settlers, but the peltry and 
fur trade of the lakes '^io, to our ports ; duisadd- 
ini^ an immense iiicrease to our exports, aiKl bind- 
ing t!)ose ]X'ople to us by a chain u Iiich never can 
be broken." 

The Virginia kn^-';siature acted on the recom- 
mendation of Gen. W^ishington, to tlie extent of 
his wishes ; and in coiisc-quence thereof, works of 
the greatest utility have been nearly accomplished. 
They went one step farther, and by a legislative 
act vested in him, at the expense of the state, one 
hundred and fift}^ shares in the navigation of the 
yivers Polo wmac and James. The act for this pu r- 
pose was introduced with the foilo\vii\g preamble ;, 
" Whereas it is the desire of the representatives 
of this •commonwealth, to embrace every suitable 
occasion of testily ing their sense of the unexam- 
pled merits of George VVashington, Esq. toward 
his coui'.try ; and it is their wish in particular that 
those great works for its improvement, which, both 
as springing from the liberty which he has been 
so instrumental in est.ibiishing, and as encouraged 
by his patronage, will be durable monuments of 
his glory, n;ay be made moiiuments also of the 
giatitude of hi:) «ountry. Be it ciiacted/' Sec. 



CKOIIGF, WA.SiilXGTw: 



2il 



To the friend wlio conveyed toWasainjTtoi the 
firsL intclligi^icc of tiiis bill, he a plied, " It is not 
ea:sv for me to dcci^Je, bv wliich my mi; id was 
most affected upon the receipt of your letter of the 
sixih instant, burprisc or irratitudc. Both were 
greater than I had words to express. The utteii- 
tioii and fj;ood wishes which the assembly have 
evidenced by their act for vestini^ in mc one hun- 
dred and fifty, shares in tlic navij^atton of the rivers 
Potownnc and James, is more than mere compli- 
ment. There is an unequivocal and substantial 
nieaninj^ annexed. But believe me, sir, no cii*- 
cumstimce has happened bir.ce I left the walks of 
public life, which has so much emb:1l-rassed mc. 
On die one hand, I consider this act as a noble and 
unecjuivocal proof of the j^ood opinion, the afl'cc- 
tion, and dispo.-sition of my country to serve mc ; 
and I should be hurt, if Ijy declining the accep- 
tance of it, my refusal should be cotistrued into 
disrespect or the smallest slight upon the generous 
intention of tije legislature, or that an ostentiitioul 
displivy of disiiitereb'iedness or public virtue was 
the soui'ce of refusal. 

" On the other hand, it is really my wish to have 
my mind and my actions, which are the result of 
reflection, as free and independent as the air, that 
I may be more at liberty to expi ess my sentiments, 
and if necessary to suggest what may occur to me 
under the fullest conviction, that although my 
judgment may be* arraigned, there uill be no sus- 
picion that sinister motives had tlie smallest influ- 
ence in the suggestion. Not content then with 
the bare consciousness of my having, in all this^ 
navigation business, acted upon the cleiurest con* 



212 TriE LIFE OF 

viction of the political importance of the measure, 
I would wjsh th.it every Individual who nriv li<ar 
that it was a favourite plan of mine, may knovviil- 
so that I had no other motive for jjroaiotinj^ ii than 
the advantage of which I conceived it would be 
productive to the union at large, and to this state 
in particular, by cementing the eastern and Aves- 
tern territory together ; at the same time, that it 
will givc vigour to and increase our commerce, 
and be a convenience to our citizens. 

" How would this matter be viewed then by 
the eye of the world, and what opinion would be 

formed, when it comes to be related that G 

W ., Ttexer'ed himself to effect this work, 

and that G W n.has received twenty- 
thousand dollars, and five thousand pounds ster- 
ling of the public money as an interest therein ? 
Would not this, if I am entiUed to any merit for 
the part I have performed, and without it there is 
no foundation for the act, deprive me oftheprinci- 
pal thing v/hich is laudable in my conduct ? Would 
it not in some respects be considered in tlie same 
light as a pension ? And would not the apprehen- 
sions of this induce me to offer my sentiments in 
future wi;h the more reluctance? In a word, un- 
der whatever pretence, and however customary .i| 
these gratuities may be in other countries, should * 
I not theneelorvvurd be considered as a dependent ? 
One moment's thought of which would give me 
more pain, than I should receive pleasure from the 
product of all the tolls, was every larthmg of them 
vest', tl in me." 

To the Governor of the state, on receiving from 
him an ofli. i>il copy of the aforesaid act, Washings 
ton replied as follows ; 



GKORGE WASHINGTON. 



2U 



" Your excellency having been pleased to trans- 
mit me a copy of the act appropriating to my ben- 
efit certain shares in the companies for openuig the 
iiaviu^ution of James and Potovvuiac rivers; I take 
the liberty of returning to the general assembly, 
through your hands, the profound and grateful 
acknowledgments inspired by so signal a mark of 
their beneficent intentions tovvardme. I beg you, 
sir, to assure them that [am filled. oiUhis occasion 
with every sentiment which can flow from a heart 
warm with love to my country, seiisible to every 
token of its approbation and aflcction, and solici- 
tous to testify in every instance a respectful sub- 
mission to its wishes, 

" With these seniiments in my bosom, I need 
not dwell on the anxiety I feel, in beiog obliged, 
in this instance, to decline a favour which is ren- 
dered no less fluttering !)y the manner in which it 
is conveyed, dian it is affectionate in itself. In ex- 
plai'^mg this, 1 pass over a comparison of my en- 
deavours in the public service, with the many hon- 
ourable ttstimonies of approbation which have al- 
ready so far over rated and overpaid them ; recit- 
ing one consideration OiUy, wliich supersedes the 
iieeessi'y of recurring to eyery other. 

" When I was first called to die station with 
which I was honoured during the late conflict for 
our liberties, to tiie diffidence which I had so 
many reasons to feel in accepting it, I thought it 
my duty to join a firm resolution to sliut m* har>d 
against every pecuniary recompense. To this 
resolution I have invariabl}- adhered, and from it, 
if I 1/cid the inclination, I do not consider myself 
at iiberly now to depart. 



214 THE LIFi: OF 

*' Whilst I repeat, tlKrefore, my fervent ac- 
knowledg-mciits to the lci>-iblalurc lor ihcir very- 
kind sfiitimtnts and intentions in niy favour, and 
at the same time brg them lo be persLUidcd, that 
a rcnieinhrance of this sinj^'ular proof of their 
goodness toward me will jkvc j ecase to eherish 
returns of the warniest aftcetion and gratitude ; I \ 
must pray tliat their act, ao llir as it has for its ob- ' 
ject my personal cmoiiM.-ieiit, may not have its ef- 
fect; but if it should ])leasc thr general assembly 
to jxrmit me to tum the desiinaiion of the fund 
vested in me, from my private emolument to ob- 
jects of a public, nature, it will be my study in se- 
leetmg these, to prove the sincerity of my gratitude 
for tl'.e honour conierred upon me, by preferring 
such as may appear most subservient to the en- 
lightened a -d patriotic views of the legislature." 

The wishes suggested in this letter were sanc- 
tioned by the legislature ; and, at a subseciuent 
time, the trust was executed by conveying the 
shares to the use of a seminary of learning in the 
vicinity of each river. 

Near tlie close of the revolutionary war, die of- 
ficers of the American army, with a view of per- 
petuating their fricndsliips, formed dieniselves in- 
to a soeiety, to be named after the famous Roman 
patriot, Cincinnatus. At the head of tlieir soeie- 
ty. Gen. W:\shington was placed. By the rules of 
their institution, the honours of the society were 
to l)e hereditary in their respective families, and 
distinguished individuals nught be admitted ashon- 
orary members tor life. These circumstances, to- 
gether with the union of the ofticers of the army, 
gave an alarm to the community j several individ- 



GEORCn WASTTINGTON'. 215 

uals of which supposed that the hereditary part of 
the institution would be a germ of nobility. It 
was the usual policy of Washiui^ton to rtbpect the 
tjpinions of the people, in matters i;idifilrcnt, or of 
sn»aH niagiiitudt, diouj^h he mii^liithuik them mis- 
taken. H<' ving aseerUiined to his own satisfaction, 
th;it a dtgiee ol" jealousy pervaded the mass of the 
pe^.ple, respecting the piobctble tendency of this 
perpetual hcrediiary society, he successfully ex-, 
erted his inHuence to new model hs rules, by re- 
hiiq lisiiiMg .li.j hereditary principle and the power 
of adc»pti'.g honorary members. The result prov- 
ed the wisdom of the measure; for all jealousies 
of the sociery henceforward were done away, and 
the members thereof v^erc received as brethren, 
by the most suspicious of their fellowcitizens. . 

When Wasiiiiigtoii, at the close ol the revolu- 
tionary war, became a private citizen, his country 
confidently anticipated every possible blessing from 
peace, independence, and self government. But 
experience soon proved the iiKi'ricaey of existing 
systems for promoting national happiness, or pre- 
serving national dignity. Congress had rseithcr 
the power nor the means of doing justice to pub- 
lic creditors, nor of enforcing the respect of for- 
eign nations. Gold and silver vanished ; eom- 
merce languished ; property was dtpreci.iu-d ; 
and credit expired. The lovers of liberty a.nd in- 
dependence began to be less sanguine in nnir 
hopes [nmi the American revolution, and to Unr 
that they had built a visionary fabric of gov.-cn- 
ment on the fallacious idens ol ]jublie virtue For 
the first five or six years immediately loilowiu^; 



21(3 THE LIFE OF 

peace, the splendour which surrounflcd the infant 
stiiTes I'rom their successful stiuggle iii thv cause of 
ind pcndtMiceand self t^overnmciit, w is daily d uk- ' 
enin^-. "his state of things could not be indifierenU 
to Washinj^ton. He was among the liist to dis- 
cover the eause, and to point out the rcmtdy. 
The inefficient support he received while com- 
mander in chief, proved the inefficacy of the arti- 
cles ol conic deration, for raising and supporting a 
reqinsite military force. The experience of the 
fust yciH's ol peace, proved their total inadequacy 
for the pHirpose of national government. Fiom 
want of vii^our in the federal head, the United 
States were fast dwindling into separate sovereign- 
ties, unconnected by any bond of union, equal to 
public exigency. 'I he private letters of Wash- 
ington at this time, show his anxiety for his coun- 
try's welfare, and his wisdom in pointivig out a 
remedy for its degradation. In one t)f ihem he 
observes, " The confederation ap'pears to me to 
be lilile more than a shadow without the substance, 
and Congress a nugatory body, their ordinances 
being little attended to. To me it is a solecism 
in politics ; indeed it is one of the most exuaor- 
di'iary things in nature, that we should conlederate 
as a nati(jn, and yet be afraid to give the rulers of 
thai nation, who are the creatures of our own mak- 
ing, appoijited for a li*nitcd aiid short duiauon, ' 
and who are amenable for eveiy action, rec liable 
at .a:} moment, and subject to all the evils which ; 
they may be instrumental in pr(xUicing, sufficient 
powers to order and dirci t die aftairs of tlic same. 
By buch policy the wheels of government arc 



(iROUGE WASHINGTON. 



217 



cloj^ged, and our brightest prospects, and that 
higli expectation which was entertained of us by 
the wonderitig world, are turned into astonish- 
ment ; and from the high ground on which we 
stood, we are descending into the vale of confusion 
and darkness.. 

" That we have it in our power to become one 
of the most respectable nations upon earth, ad- 
mits, in my humble opinion, of no doubt, if we 
would but pursue a wise, just, and liberal policy, 
toward one another, and woulcl keep good faith 
witli the rest of the world. That our resources 
are ample and increasing, none can deny ; but while 
they are grudgingly applied, or not apjilied at all, 
we give a vital stab to public faith, and will sink 
.in the eyes of Kurope into contempt." 

In another, " It is one of the evils of democrat- 
ic governments, that the people, not always seeing, 
and frequently misled, nuist often feel before they 
are set right. But evils of this nature seldom fail 
to work their own cure. It is to be lamented, 
nevertheless, that the remedies are so slow, and 
that those who wish to apply them seasonably, are 
not attended to before they suffer in person, in in-, 
terest, and in reputation. I am not without hopes 
that matters will soon take a favourable turn in 
the federal constitution. The discerning part of 
the community have long since seen the necessity 
of giving adequate powers to Congress for nation- 
al purj)oses, and those of a different description 
must yield to it ere long." 

In a letter to Mr. Jay, Gen. Washington ob- 
served ; " Your sentiments that our affairs arc 
drawing rapidly to a crisis, accord with my own:. 
20 



218 iHK i.ii I", (11 

What the event will be, is also beyond the reach 
of my ibresii^-lu. ^^'c have enoi^s to correct ; we 
have probably IkkI too i^ootl an opinion of lunnan 
nature in forming- our confederation. I^xperiencc 
has taui;ht us that men will not adtipt and carry in- 
to executuMi, measures the best calculated for 
their own good, w ithout the intervention of coer- 
cive power. I do not conceive we can subsist 
long as a nation, without lodging somewhere a 
■power which will.per\ade the whole union in ^\s 
energetic a manner, as the authority of the state 
governmc nts extends over the scvv;ral states. To 
be llarful of investing Congress, constituted as 
that body is, with an\ple authorities for national 
purposes, apjxwrs to mc the very climax of popu- 
lar absurdity and madness. Could Congress ex- 
ert them for the detrimei\t of the pec^ple, without 
injuring themselves in an e(iual or greater propor- 
tion ? iVre not their interests mseparably connect- 
ed with those of their constituents "? By the rota- 
tion of appointment, must they not mingle fre- 
quently with the nuiss of citizens ? Is it iu)t rather 
to be apprehended, if they were possessed of the 
powers before deseril)ed, tliat the indiNidual mem- 
bers would be induced to use them on many oc- 
casions, very tin\idly and incilicacionsly, for fear of 
losing their poi)ularity and future election ? \Vc 
inusi take human nature as we fmd it; perfection 
lalls :iot to the share of mortals. JNlany are of 
opinion, that Congress have too frequently inadc 
use of rh.c suppliant humble tone of lequisitiou, in 
applications to the staris, when tiicy had a rigin to 
assert their imperial dignity, and commiind oi)e- 
diencc. Be that as it may, requisitions are a per- 



OKOIK.K WASMINf/rO.V. 21[> 

feet nullity, where thirteen soverelf^n, independent, 

disunited .stales, are in the haljit ol discnssinj^, and 

rcfusinf^ or conijilyin^ with ihern at their optiotu 

Requisitions are actually little better than a jest 

and a by<word throuj.^hont the land. If you tell 

' the legislatures they have violated the treaty of 

JiriKX', and invaded the prerogatives of theconfed- 

;y, they will laugh in your face. What then 

■') he done ? Things cannotgo on in the same 

I ) for ever. It is much to be feared, ar* y^u ob- 

. c, that the better kind of peoj)le, being disgust- 

•vith these e i re illn stances, will have their minds 

|j/Lpared for any revolution whatever. We arc 

apt to run from one extreme irjto another. To 

anticipate and prevent disastrous contingenccs, 

would be thc'part of wisdom and patriotism. 

*' What astonishing changes are a few years ca- 
pable of producing ! J am told that even rcspect- 
ab'e characters sj3eak of a monarchical form of gov- 
ernment, witliout horror, i Vom thinking, proceeds 
speaking ; tlience to acting is often but a single 
step. But how irrevocable and tremendous ! 
What a triumj)li for our enemies to verify their 
predictions ! Wliat a triumjjh for thg advocates of 
despotism to find that we are incapable of govern- 
ing ourselves, and that systems founded on the 
basis of Cjual liberty, are merely ideal and falla- 
cious ! Would to C>od that wise measures may be 
taken in time, to avert lire consequences we have 
but too much rc-aifm to apprehend." " Retired 
as I am'from the world, 1 Irankly acknowledge, I 
cannot feel myself an unconcerned spectator. Yet 
having happily assisted in bringing the 6hip into 



220 THE LIFE OF 

port, and havinj^ been fairly discharged, it is not 
my business to embark again on a sea of troubles. 
• " Nor could it be expected that my sentiments! 
and opinions would have much weight on thej 
minds of my countrymen. They have been neg-i 
lectcd, though given as a htst legacy, in the mosti 
solemn manner. I had then, pcj-haps, sonic claims^ 
to public attentions. 1 consider myself as having; 
none at present." , I 

Illumination, on the subject of enlarging thei 
powers of Congress, was gradual. Washington, : 
in his extensive correspondeifte and intercourse 
with the leading characters of the different states, 
urged the necessity of a radical reform m the ex- 
isting system of government. The business was 
at length seriously taken up, and a proposition was 
made by Virginia, for electing deputies to a gen- 
eral convention, for the sole purpose of revising 
tliQ federal system of government. 

While this proposition wns under consideration, 
an event took place, which pointed out the propria 
©ty of its adoption. I'he pressure of evils in a 
great degree resulting from the imbecility of gov-, 
ernment, aided by erroneous opinions, which con- 
found liberty with licentiousness, produced com-, 
motions in Massachusetts, which amounted to trea- 
soji and rebellion. On this occasion, Washing- 
ton expressed himself in a letter as follows ; " The 
commotions and tempei" of numerous bodies in 
the eastern country, present a staleof things equal- 
ly to be lamented and deprecated. They exhibit 
a melancholy verification of what our triinsatlantic 
foes have predicted, and of another thing perhaps, 



Ct.OllfiK WASHINGTON. 221 

which is still more to be regretted, and is yet 
more unaccountable, that mankind when left ^to 
themselves, are unfit for their own government. 
I am mortified beyond expression, when I view 
the clouds which have spread over the brightest 
morn that ever dawned upon my country. In a 
woid, I am lost in amazementj when I behold 
wliat intrigue the interested views of desperate 
characters, ignorance and jealousy of the minor 
part, aire capable of effecting, as a scourge on the 
major part of our fellowcitizens of the union ; for 
it is hardly to be supposed, that the great body of 
the people, though they will not act, can be so 
short sighted, or enveloped in darkness, as not to 
see rays of a distant sun through all this mist of 
intoxication and foll}^ 

" You talk, my good sir, of eur; I^) ing :v'''->- 
ence to appease the present tumtUis ■a '^l,ib;saci;m- 
setts. I know not where that infliience ii. to be 
found, nor, if attainable, that it would be a proper 
remedy for these disorders. Iqifueaec is not gov- 
ernment. Let us have a govermy>ent by which 
our lives., liberties, and proper^]. >, will be secured, 
or let us know the worst at c\5cc. Und^r these 
impressions, my humble opinion iSj that there is 
a call for decision. Know preiiviel) what.the'in- 
surgents aim at. If they have rcuVg^'iCv i^'ces, re- 
drejiD them if possible, or aeknow! ? 'stice 

of them, and your inability I <'\, nt 

moment. If they have not, 'ud. -i' 
government against them at o. , i:i 
adequate, all will be convinced thi;: '\e supciSlt . 
ture is bad, or wants support. To ! o more e." ■ 
posed in the eyes of the world, and more cont'NUjj 
20* 



2^ THE LIFE OF 

tible, is hardly possible. To delay one or the oth- 
er of these expedienis, is to exasperate on the one 
hand, or to give eonfidence on the other, and will 
add to their numbers; for like snowballs such 
bodies increase by every movement, unless there 
is something in the way to obstruct and crumble 
them belbre their weight is too great and irresisti- 
ble. 

" These are my sentiments. Precedents are 
dangerous things. Let the reins of government, 
then, be braced and held with a steady hand, and 
every violation of the constitution be"^ reprehend- 
ed. If defective, let it be amended, but not suf- 
fered to be trampled upon while it has an exist- 
ence." • 

Virginia placed the name of ^^'ashington at the 
hc:»d of her delegates for the proposed convention. 
Letters 7^ured in upon him fiom all sides, urging 
his acceptance, of in: appointment. In answer to' 
one from Mr. MAdis(rh, who had been the princi- 
pal advocate of the m; isure in the Virginia legis- ' 
lature. Gen. Washington replied, " Alihough I 
have bid a public aiti; '. to the public walks of life, 
and had resolvecl neyt . "more to tread that theatre, 
yet, if upon any ocoaj.ion so interesting to the well 
beiwg of our coiui^der y, it had been the wish of 
the assembly thikt 1 snould be an associate in the 
business of revising the federal system, I should, 
from a sen?e of the obligation I am under for re- 
peated proofs of confidence in me, more than from 
any opii.lt.n I could entertain of my usefulness, 
haveobe}ed its call; but it is now out of my 
p^wcr to do this with any degree of consistency. 
The cause 1 will mention. 



GKOU{;i: WASHlN<iT()N. 



228 



" I presume you heard, sir, that I was first ap- 
pointed, and have since been reehoscn, president 
of the society of the Cincinnati ; and you may have 
understood also, that the triennial general meeting 
of tiiis body is to be held in Philad'.li)hia the fnst 
Monday in May next. Some j):trticnlar reasons, 
combinim^ with the jxculiar situation of my pri- 
vate concerns, the necessity of paying attention to 
them, a wish for retirement, and relaxation from 
public cares, and rheumatic pains, which I begin 
to feci very sensibly, induced me, on the Slst. 
ultimo, to address a circular letter to each stafe 
society, informing them of my intention not to be 
at the next meeting, and of my desire ruA to be 
reehoscn president. The vice ])resident is also 
inf(jrmed of this, that the business of the society 
may not be impeded by my absence. Under 
these circumstances it will readily be perceived, 
that I could not appear at the slune time and place, 
on any other occasion, without giving oflcnce to 
a very respectable and deserving i:>art of the com- 
munity ; the late oHicers of the American army '* 

The meeting of the converition was postponed 
to a day subsequent to that of , the meeting of the 
Cincinnati, 'i'his removed one of the drlHculties 
in the way of Washirigton's. acceptance of a seat 
in the convention, and, joitied with the irnporiance 
of the call, and his own Lvgi.f desire to advance 
the public interest, finally induced his compliance 
with the wishes of his friends. 

The convention met in Philadelphia, in May, 
and unanimously chose George V\ ashing! on their 
president. On the 17dv. of September, 1787, they 



224 THE LIFE OF 

closed their labours, and submitted the result to 
Congress, vviih their opinion " that it should be 
snl)niitted to a convenrion of delegates chosen in 
each slate by the people thereof,, under the recom^' 
mendation of its legislature, for their assent and' 
ratification/' 

By this new form of government, ample powers 
were given to Congress without the intervention 
of the states, for every purpose that national digni- 
ty, interest, or happiness, required. 

The ablest pens and most eloquent tongues 
were employed for, and against, its acceptance. 
In this animated contest, Washington took no part. 
Halving with his sword vindicated the right of his 
country to self government, and having with his 
advice aided in digesting an efficient form of gov- 
ernment, which he most thoroughly approved, it 
would seem as though he wished the people to. 
decide for themselves, whether to accept or re- 
ject it. 

, The constitution being accepted by cle^jpit 
states, and preparatory measures being taken for 
biingiug it into operation, ail eyes were turned to 
AVar^-hip.gton, as being tlie fittest man for the of- 
fice of prebident of the United States. His cor-* 
respondents began to press his acceptance of the 
high office, as essential to the well being of his 
country. 

To those wlio think that Washington was, like 
other men, it will scarcely appear possible, that 
supreme magistracy possessed no charms sufficient 
to .tempt hnn from his beloved retirement, when 
he was healthy and strong, and only fifty seven 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 225 

years old ; but if an opinion can be formed of his 
real sentiments, from the tenonr of his Hfe and 
confidential communications to his most intimate 
friends, a conviction will be produced, that his 
acceptance of the Presidency of the United States 
was the result of a victory obtained by a sense of 
duty over his inclinations, and was a real sacrifice 
of the latter to the former. 

In a letter to Col. Henry Lee, Washington ob- 
serves ; "Notwithstanding my advanced season 
of hfe, my increasing fondness* for agricultural 
amusements, and my growing love of retirement, 
augment and confirm my decided predilection for 
the character of a private citizen ; yet it will be no 
one of these motives, nor the hazard to which my 
former reputation might be exposed, nor the ter- 
ror of encountering new fatigues and troubles, that 
would deter me from an acceptance, but a belief 
that some other person who had less pretence and 
less inclination to be excused, conk! execute all 
the duties full as satisf\\ctorily as myself. To say 
more would be 'indiscreet, as a disclosure of a re- 
fusal beforehand might incur the application of 
thelTable, in which the fox is represented as un- 
dervaluing the grapes he could not reach. You 
will perceive, my dear sir, by what is here observ- 
ed, and vvhich you will be pleased to consider in 
the light of a confidential comituinication, that 
my inclinations will dispose and decide me to re- 
main as 1 am, unless a clear and insurn^ountable 
conviction should be impressed on my mind, that 
some very disagreeable co'^-sequenccs musr in all 
human probability result from the indulgence of 
my wishe-s." 



226 THE LIKE OP •; 

In a letter to Col. Hamilton, Washington ob- 
serves ; " If I am not grossly citrceivcd in myself, 
I should unfeigncdly rejoice, in case the electors, 
by giving their votes to some other person, would 
save me from the dreadful d'lemma of being forc- 
ed to accept or refuse. If that may not be, I am 
in the next place, earnestly desirous of searching 
out the truth, and of knowing whether there does 
not exist a probability that the government would 
just as happily and effectually be carried into ex- 
ecution, without* my aid, as with it. I am truly 
solicitous to obtain all the previous information 
whioh the circumstances will afford, and lo deter- 
mine, when the determination can no longer be 
postponed, according to the principles of right 
reason, and the dictates of a clear conscience, 
without too great a reference to the unforeseen 
consequences which may affect my person or rep- 
utation. Until that period, I may fiirly hold my- 
self open to conviction, though I allow your 
sentiments to have weight in them ; and I shall 
not pass by your arguments, without giving them 
as dispassionate a consideration as I can possibly 
bestow upon them. • 

" In taking a survey of the subject, in whatever 
point of light I have been able to place it, I will 
not suppress the acknowledgment, my, dear sir, 
that 1 have ah.vays felt a kind of gloom upon my 
mind, as often as I have been taught to expect I 
might, and perhaps, must be called ii^:)on ere long 
to make the decision. You will, I am well assur- 
ed, believe the assertion, though I have little ex- 
pectation it would gain credit from those who are 
less acquainted with me, that if I should receive 



GEOUGE WASHINGTON. 



227 



the appointment, and shouljl be prevailed upon to 
accept it, the acceptance would be attended with 
more difficulty and reluctance, than I ever expe- 
rienced before. It would be, however, with a fix- 
ed and sole deterniinaiion of lending whatever as- 
sistance might be in my power to promote the 
public weal, in hopes that at a convenient and 
early period, my services might be dispensed 
with ; and that I might be permitted once more 
to retire, to pass an unclouded evening, after the 
stormy day of life, in the bosom of domestic tran- 
quillity." 

In a letter to Gen. Lincoln, Washington ob- 
serves ; " I may, however, with great sincerity, 
and I believe without offending against modesty 
and propriety, say to you, that I most heartily 
wish the choice to which you allude, might not 
fall upon me ; and that if it should, I must reserve 
to myself the right of making up my final decis- 
ion, at the last moment when it can be brought 
into one view, and. when the expediency or inex- 
pediency of a refusal can be more judiciously de- 
termined, than at present. But be assured, my 
dear sir, if, from any inducement, I shall be per- 
suaded ultimately to accept, it will not be, so far 
as I know my own heart, from any of a private or 
personal nature. Every personal consideration 
conspires to rivet me, if I may use the expres- 
sion, to retirement. At my time of life, and un- 
der niy circumstances, nothing in tiiis world can 
ever draw me from it, unless it be a conviction 
that the partiality of my countrymen had made 
my seivices absolutely necessary, joined to a lear 
that my refusal might induce a belief that I pre- 



228 THB LIFE OP 

ferred the conversatioi^ of my own reputation and 
private ease, to the't^ood of my country. After 
all, if I should conceive myself in a manner con- 
strained to accept, I call heaven to witness, that 
this very act would be the grijatest sacrifice of 
my personal feelins^s and wishes, that ever I have 
been called upon to make. It would be to forego 
repose and domestic enjoyment,' for trouble, per- 
haps for public obloquy ; for I should consider 
myself as entering upon an unexi)lorcd fu^ld, en- 
veloped on every side with clouds iind darkness. 

*' Fix)m this embarrassing situatioii, I had nat-' 
urally supposed, that my declarations at the close 
of the war would have saved me, and that my sin- 
cere intentions, then publicly made known, would 
have efFectualh- precluded me for ever afterward 
from being looked upon as a candidate for any 
office. This hope, as a last anchor of worldly 
happiiiess in old age, I had carefully preserved, 
until the public papers and private letters from 
my correspoudents in almost every quarter, ivUight 
me to apprehend that I might soon be obliged to 
answer the question, whether I would go again 
into public life or not." 

In- a letter to the Marquis de la Fayette, Wash- 
ington observes, " Your sentiments indeeo com* 
cide much more nearly with those of my other 
friends, than with my own feelings. In truth, my 
difficulties increase and magnify as I draw toward- 
the period, when, according to the commdn be- 
lief, it will be necessary for me to give a definitive 
answer in one way or other. Should circumstan- 
ces render it in a manner inevitably necessary to 
be in the affirmative, be assured, my dear sir, I 



e.Eoiir.E WASHI^•GT0^^ ^2§ 

shall assume the task with the most unfeigned re- 
luctance, and with a real diffidence, for vvhich I 
shall probably receive no credit from the world. 
If I know my own heart, nothing short of a con- 
viction of duty, will induce me again to take an 
active part in public affairs. And in that cast, if 
I can form a plan for niy own conduct, my endeav- 
ours shall be unremittingly exerted, even at the 
hazard of former fame or present popularit}^ to 
extricate my country from the embarrassments in 
which it is entangled through want of credit, and 
to establish a general system of policy, which, if 
pursued, will ensure permanent felicity to the com- 
monwealth. I think I see a path as clear and as 
direct as a ray of light, which leads to the attain- 
ment of that object. Nothing but harmony, hon- 
esty, industry, and frugality, are necessary to make 
us a great and a happy people. Happily the pres- 
ent posture of affairs, and the prevailing disposi- 
tion of my countrymen, promise to co-operate in 
establishing those four great and essential pillars 
of public felicity." 

Before the election of a president came on, so 
universal w^s the expectation that Washington 
would be elected, that numerous a|:»plications were 
made to him, in anticipation fur oflices in the gov- 
ernment, vvhich would be in his gift. To one of 
such applicants he wrote as follows ; " Should it 
become absolutely necessary for me to occupy the 
station in which your letter presupposes me, I 
have determined to go into it perfeedy free from 
all engagements of every nature whatsoever. A 
conduct in conformity to this resolution, would err- 
21 



250 THE LIFE OF 

able me in balancing the various pretensions of 
difFerent candidates for appointments, to act withi 
a sole reference to justice, and the public good. 
This is in substance, the answer that I have givcu! 
to all applications, and they are not few, which 
feave already been made." 



CEORGE WASHINGTON. 231 



CHAPTER XI. 



Washington elected President On liis way to the seat of gpvePBnie»|it 

at New York, receives the most flattering marks of respect ....Ad- 
dresses Congress The situation of the Unitetl States in theii" ibrf^igu 

and domestic rehttioiis, at the inauguration of Washington Fills up 

public offices solely with a view to the puh'ic good....i*roposes a trea- 
ty to the Creek Indians, wliich is at first rejected.. ..Col. Willet in- 
duces the heads cf the nation to cotiie to New York, to treat there. 
The Noi-ih Western Indians refuse a treaty, but after defeating C a- 
ei-als liarmaraiid Sinclair, they tire dt-feated hy C.'cii Wayne ....'Vh'^y 
then submit, and agree to treat A new .system is introduced for me- 
liorating their condition. 



It was intep.ded that the new p'overnnient sliould 

o 

have coinnienced its operations oii the 4th. of 
March, 1789; but -iVoin accidental causes, ti;e 
election of Gen. Washington to tiie Presider.cy 
was not officially announced to hini ;:t Mount Ver- 
non, till the 14th. of next April. This was done 
by Charles Thomson, Secretary of the late Con- 
gress, who presented to him the certilicate signed 
by the president of the Senate of the United States, 
statrag that George Wasliington was auanimous- 
ly elected president. This unexpected delay was 



^2 TlIK LIFE OF 

regretted by the public, but not b}' the newly elect- 
ed president. In a letter to Gen. Knox, he ob- 
served, " As to myself, the dehi} may be compar- 
ed to a reprieve ; for in confulence 1 tell yoii, 
that with the world it would obtain little credit, 
my movements to the chair of government will be 
accompanied by feelings not unlike those of a cul- 
prit who is goinj; to the place of his execution ; 
so unwilling iim 1 in the evening of life, nearly eon- 
bumed in public CLires, to quit a peaceful abode 
for an ocean of diHiculties, without tliat con^peten- 
cy of political skill, abilities, and inclir.ation, which 
are necessiuy to miin;ige the helm, I am sensible 
that 1 am embarking the \oice of the people, and 
a good name of my own, on this voyage, but what 
leturns will l)e made for them, heaven alone can 
foretell. Integrity and firnmcss are all I can prom- 
ise. These, be the ^■oyage long or short, shall 
never forsake me, aldiough I may be deserted by 
pU men ; for of the consolations which are to be 
derived from these, under any circumstances, the 
world cannot deprive me." 

On the second day after receiving notice of his 
appointment, Washington set out for New York, 
On his way tliither, the road- ^vas crowded with 
numbers anxious to see the man of the peojilc. 
Escorts of militia, and of gentlemen of the first 
character'and station, -attended liim from state to. 
state, and he was every where received with the' 
highest honours which a grateful and admiring 
people could confer. Addresses ol" congrutulation 
were presented to him by the inhabitants of almost 
every place of eonsecpicnce thiough which he pass- 



CKORnr, WASiiiNCiTON. 233 

edy to all of which he returned such modest, un- 
assuming answers, as were in every respect suita- 
ble to his situation. So great were the honours 
with whicli he was loaded, that they could scarce- 
ly have Tailed to produce haughtiness in tlie mind 
oi'any ordinary man; but nothing ol" the kind was 
ever discovered in this extraordinary personage. 
On all occasions he behaved to all men with the 
affability of one citizen to another. lie was truly 
■ great in deserving the plaudits of liis country, but 
much greater jn not being elated by them 

Of the numerous addresses which were present- 
ed on" this occasion, one subscribed by Dennis 
Ramsay, the mayor of Alexandria, in the name of 
the people of that city, who were the neigh!)ours of 
Mr. Washington, was particularly and universally- 
admired. It was in the following words ; 

'ro GEORGE WASHINGTOV. ESq. rin',!ilUKNr OF THK UNITED 
b TA I'KS, iCiC. 

" Again your country commands your care. 
Obedient to its wishes, unmindful of your ease, 
we see you again relinquishing the bliss of retire- 
ment, and this too, at a pciiod of life wlien nature 
itself seems to authorize a preference of repose. 

" Not to extol your glory as a soldier ; -not to 
pour forth oiu' gratitude for past services ; not to 
acknowledge tlie justice -of the unexampled hon- 
our which has been conferred upr)n you by the 
spontarjcous and unanimous suflViigc of three mil- 
lions of freemen, in your election to the suprcMne 
magistracy, nor to admire the patriotism which 
directs your conduct, do your neighbours and 
friends now address you. , Themes less splendid, 
Imt more endearing, impress our minds. The 
21* 



S34 



THE LIFK OF 



first and best of citizens must leave us ; our as^ed 
must lose their ornament; our youth their model ; 
our agriculture its improver ; 'our commerce its 
friend ; our inf^mt academy its protector; our poor 
their benefactor ; and the interior navigation of 
the Potowmac, an event, replete with the most 
extensive utihty, already by your unremitted ex- 
crtions brought into partial' use, its insUtutor and 
promoter. - 

" Farewell. Go, and make a grateful people 
happy ; a people who will be doubh /^^rateful wiicn 
they contemplate this recent sacrifice for their in- 
terest. 

^ " To that Being m ho makcth and unmaketh at 
his will, we commend you ; and after the accom- 
plishment of the arduous business to vvhicli you 
are called, may he restore to us again the best of 
men, and the most beloved feliowcitizen." 

To tills Mr. Washington returned the following 
answer ; 

" CEXTLli.AIKX, 

" Although I ought not to conceal, yet I can-, 
ilot describe the painful emolioiis which I felt, in' 
being called upon to determine \vhether 1 would 
accept or refuse the Presidency of the United- 
States. The unanimity in the eiioice ; the opin- 
ion of my friends communicated from different 
parts of Europe as well as from America ; the ap- 
parent wish of those who were not entirely satisfi- 
ed with the constitution in its preseiit forni, and an 
ardent desire on my own part to be instrumental , 
in connecting tlie good will of my countrymen to- 
ward each ether, have induced an acceptance. 



GEaiiGii WASiiixciTox. ' 235 

Those who know me best, and you, my fellowcit- 
izcns, are, from } our situation, iu that number, 
know bcttter than any others, my love of retirement 
is so threat, that no earthly consideration, short of 
a conviction of duty, could have prevailed upon 
me to depart from n~iy resolution ' never more to 
take any share in transactions of a public nature ;' 
for at my age, and in my circumstances, what pros- 
pects or advantages could I propose to myself 
from embarking again on the tempestuous and un- 
certain ocean of public life ? 

*' I do not feel myself under the necessity of 
making public declarations in order to convince 
you, gentlemen, of my attachment to yourselves, 
and regard for your interests. The whole tenour 
of my life has been open to your inspection, and 
nny past actions, rather, than my present declara- 
tions, must be the pledge of my future conduct. 

" In the mean lime, I thank you most sincerely 
for the expressions of kindness contained in your 
valedictory address. It is true, just after having 
bade adieu to my domestic connexions, this ten- 
der proof of your friendship is but too well calcu- 
lated still further to awaken my sensibility, and in- 
crease my regret at parting from the er.joym.ent of 
private life. 

" All that now remains for me, is to commit 
myself and you to the protection of that beneficent 
Being, who on a former occasion hath h ippily 
brought us together, after a long and dislressiiiff 
separation. Perhaps the same gracious Provi- 
dence will again indulge me. Unutterable sen^ 
sations must then be left to more expressive si^ 



^36 1»HE LIFE OP 

lence, while from an nchinj^ heart I bid all my af- 
feclionatc" t'ricr.ds and kind ncig-hboiirs fartwcU." 

Gray's bridge over the Sciiiiylkill, which Mr. 
Washinivton iiad to pass, was hit^hly decorated with 
laurels and evergrtens. At each end of it were 
erected mag-nificent arches, composed of laurels, 
emblematical of tJK' ancient Roman triumphal arch- 
es, and on each side of the bridi2;e was a laurel 
shrubbery. As Mr. Washinj>;ton passed the l^ridge, 
a youth ornamented with sprigs of laurel, assisted 
by machinery, let drop above his head, though un- 
perceived by him, a civic crown of laurel. Up- 
ward of twenty thousand citizens lined the fences, 
fields, and avenues, between the Schuylkill and 
Philadelphia. Through these he was conducted 
to the i;ity by a numerous and respectable body of 
the citizens, where he pariook of an elegant enter- 
tainment provided for him. The pleasures of the 
day were succeeded by a handsome display of fire- 
works in the evening;. 

Wlicn Mr. Washington crossed the Delaware,, 
and landed on the Jersey shore, he was saluted 
with three cheers by the inhaiiitants of the vicini- 
ty. VViicn hi? came to the brow of the hill on his 
way to Trenton, a triumj)hal aich was erected on 
the bridge by the direction of the ladies of the 
place. 'Fhe crown of the arch was highly orna- 
mented with laurels and flowers, and on it was dis- 
played in large figures, " December 26th. 1776." 
Oil the sweep oi the arch benciith, was this inscrip- 
tion, " The Defender of the Mothers will also 
protect their Daughters." On the north side were 
Tanged a number of female children dressed iii 



ci:(jiu.K WAsmxfnox. 



237 



white, with pjarkmds of flowers on their heads, and 
baskets oi" flowers on tlieir arms ; in the seeond 
row stood the ) oun", women, and behind them the 
married ladies of the vicinity. The instant he 
passed the arch, the cliildren began to sing the fol- 
lowing ode. 

•' Welcome niigli'ly cliief '. once more 
Welcome lo tliis gi-atdul shore. 
Now no ratrcenary foe 
Aiiiis again the fata! ljlo-.r. 
Aims at tin e tlie fut.il blow, 
\'ir;>;ins fair, and matrons grave, 
Tlicsr tliy conrjiifiiiig arai did save ! 
Iiuild for tliee Iri jniphal howcru j 
'ilrcw, ye fair, his way wltJi flowers ; 
Strew your hero's way with fiowera." 

As they sung the last lines, they strew*cd their 
flowers on the road before their beloved deliverer. 
His situation on this occasion, contrasted with what 
he had in December, 1776, felt on the same spot, 
when the affnirs of America were at the lowest ebb 
of depression, filled him with sensations that can- 
not be described. He was rowed across the bay 
from Elizabelhtown to New York, in an elegant 
barge, l^y thirteen pilots. All the vessels in the 
harbour hoisted their flags. Stairs were erected 
and decorated for his reception. On his landing, 
universal joy diffused itself thrf»ugh every order of 
tlie people, and he \vas received and congratulated 
by the Governor of the state, and officers of the 
corporation. . He was conducted fromjthe landing 
place to the house which had been fitted up for his 
reception, and was followed by an eli/gant proces- 
sion of militi.i in their uniforms, and by a great 



23S 



IIIK LllK OJ' 



number of citizens. In the evening tlic houses of 
the inhabitants were brilliantly ilhiniinuted. 

A day was fixed soon after his arrival, for his 
taking the oath of olHce, which was in tiie follow- 
ing words. " I do solemnly swear, that I will 
faithfully execute the office of President of the 
UnitVd States ; and will to the best of my ability 
preserve, i)rotect, and delend the constitution of 
the United States." On this occasion he was whol- 
ly clothed in American manufactures. In the 
morning of the day appointed for this purpose, the 
clerg) of difiercnt denominations assen>bled their 
congregations in their respective places of wor- 
ship, and offered up public prayers for the presi- 
dent and i)eoi)le of the United States. About n(^oii 
a procession, followed by a multitude of citizens, 
moved noui the pre.>^ident's liouse to Federal Hall. 
When they came within a short distance i'rom the 
Hail, the troops formed a line on both sides of the 
way, through which Mr. Waslungton, accompa- 
nied by tile vice president, Mr. John Adams, pass? 
cd into the senate chamber. Inunediately after,, 
accompanied by both houses, he went into the gal- 
lery fronting Broadstreet, and before them and an 
immense concourse of citizens, took the oath pre- 
scribed by the constitution, which was admiiris- 
tered by H. R. Livingston, the chancellor of the 
state of New Yorl*. An awful silence prevailed 
among the spectiitors during this part of the cere- 
mom. It was a minute of the most sublime po- 
litical joy. The chanctllor then jiroclaiined him 
president of th.e United SuUes. This was answer- 
ed by the discharge of thirteen guns ; and by the 
eiiijbions of shouts from near ten Uiousand grateful 



•noriGE WASHIN'OTOX. 



Q39 



and affectionate hcurts. Tlia president bowed 
most respLctlully to lijc people, and the air resound- 
ed ajr-iin with their acchunatioTis. He then retir- 
i ed to the Senate Chamber, where he made theiolr 
iovvnig speech to boUi hotises. 

" FcUotucitizimit of tin: Scndtf. 
and of t/w * 

/loHHc of Ituprfiicjitativct, 

*' Among the vicissitudes incident to life, no 
event coukl liave filled nie with greater anxiaics 
than that of which the notification was transmitted 
by your order, and received on the 14th. day of 
the jjresent month. On the one hand, I was sum- 
moned by my country, whose voice I can never 
hear but with veneration and love, from a retreat 
which I had chosen with the fondest predilection, 
and, in my flattering hopes, with an immutable 
decision, as the asylum of my declining years ; a 
retreat which was rendered every &c\y more neces- 
sary as well as more dear to me, by the addition 
of habit to inclination, and of frequent interruptions 
in my health to the gradual waste eoniniilted on it 
by time. On the other hand, the magnitude and 
difliculty of the trust to which the voice of my 
country called mc, being sufficient to awaken in 
the wisest and most experienced of her citizens a 
distrustful scrutiny into his qualifications, could 
not but overwhelm with despondence one who, 
ii.iKriting inferior eridowmcnts from nature, and 
iwvpraetised in the duties of civil administration, 
ought to be peculiarly conscious of his own defi- 
ciencies. In this conflict of emotions, all I dare 
ri'.er i-^:, that it has been my faithful study to col- 



*40 THR LIFE OF 

Icct my duty from a just appreciation of every cir- 
cuir.stimcc by whit 1 1 ii n\ight be effected. All I 
dare hope is, that, il in accepting this task, I have 
been too nuich swayed by a grateful remembrance 
ol former instances, or By an affectionate sensibil- 
ity to this transcendent proof of the confidence of 
my fellovvcit:izens ; )|pd have thence too liitle con- 
sulted my incapacity, as well as disinclination for 
the weighty and untried cares before me ; my • 
KKKOii will be palliated by the motives which mis- 
led me, and its consequences be judged by my 
country with some share of the partiality in whicli 
they originated. 

" Such being the impressions under wliich I 
have, in obedience to thejniblic summons, repair- 
ed to the present station ; it will be peculiarly ini- 
propep to omit, in this first ollicial act, my fervent 
supplications to that Ahnigluy Being who rules 
ovc r the universe ; who presides in the councils 
of nations ; atid whose providential aids can sup- 
ply every human defect, that his benediction may 
consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the peo- 
ple of the United States, a government instituted 
by themselves for these essential purposes ; and 
may enable every instrument employed in its ad- 
ministration, to execute with success, the func- 
tions allotted to his charge. In tendering diis horn- 
age to the great Author of every public and j)ri- 
vate good, 1 assure myself that it expresses jour 
sentiments not less than my own ; nor those of my 
fellowciiizens at large, less than either. No peo- 
l)le can be bound to acknowledge and adore the 
invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men, 
more than the people of the United States. Every 



(.KOIlft^VVASlliNl.lON. 241 

.^Lcp by wliichthcy hnvc advanced to the character 
of an independent nation seems to have been dis- 
tinguished by some token of providential agency ; 
and in tlie important revolution just accomplished 
in the system of their united government, the tran- 
quil deliberations and voluntary consent of so ma- 
ny distinct communities, from which the event has 
resulted, cannot be compared with the means by 
which most governments have been established, 
without some return of pious gratitude along with 
an humble anticipation of the luture blessings 
which the past seem to presage. These reflec- 
tions, arising out of the present crisis, have forced 
themselves too strongly on my mind to be sup- 
pressed. You will join with me, I trust, in think- 
ing that there are none, under the influence of 
which the proceedings of a new and free govern- 
ment can more aust)ieiously eonmienee. 

" By the article Tstal)lishing the executive de- 
partment, it is u'.ade the duty of the president ' to 
recommend to your consideration, such measures 
as he shall judge necessary and expedient.' The 
circumstances under which 1 now meet you will 
acquit me from entering into that subject, farther 
than to refer to the great constitutional charter un- 
der which you are assembled, and which, in defin- 
ing yoiir powers, designates the objects to which 
your attention is to be given. It will be more 
consistent with those circumstances, and far more 
congenial with the feelings which actuate me, to 
substitute in place of a recommendation of partic- 
ular measures, the tribute that is due to the talents, 
the rectitude, and the patriotism, which adorn the 
22 



242 



AW. ^'' 



chiiracters selected to devise and adopt them. In 
thcye honourable (lualifications, I behold the sur- 
est ()lc(lges that, as on one side, no local prejudi- 
ces or attachments, no separate views nor party- 
animosities, will misdirect the comprehensive arid 
C(iual eye which ought to watch over this s^reatas- 
sembl.!£i;e of communities and interests; so, on" 
another, that the loundations of our national poli- 
cy will be laid in the pure and immutable princi- 
ples of private morality ; and the pre-eminence of 
free government be exemplified by all the attri- 
butes which can win the affections of its citizens, 
and command the respect of the world. I dwell 
on this prospect with every satisfiiction which an 
ardent love for my country can inspire ; since there 
is no truth more thoroughly established than that 
there exists, in the economy and course of nature, 
an indissoluble imion between virtue and happi- 
ness ; between duty and advantage ; between the 
genuine maxims of an honest and magnanimous 
policy, and the solid rewards of public prosperity 
and felicity ; since we ought to be no less per- 
suaded that the propitious smiles of heaven can 
never be expected on a nation that disregards the 
eternal rules of order and right, which heaven it- 
self has ordained ; and since the preservation of 
the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny* of the 
republican model of government, are justly con- 
sidered as dkkpi.v. perhaps as iinam.y, staked on 
the experiment intrusted to the hands of the Amer- 
ican people. 

" Beside the ordinary objects submitted to your i 
care, it will remain with your judgment to decide, 



liKOIirJK WASIIINfiTON. 



243 



how far an exercise of the occasional power dele- 
gated by the fifth article of the constitution is ren- 
dered expedient, at the present juncture, by the 
nature of objections vvhieli have been urL^-< d aj^ainst 
the system, or by the dei^ree of mcjuietude which 
has given birth to them. Instead of undertaking- 
particular recommendations on this subject, in 
which I could be guided by no lights derived 
from oflleial opportunities, I sliall again give way 
to my entire confidence in your discernment and 
pursuit of the public good ; for I assure myself, 
that whilst you carehilly avoid every alteration 
which Riight endanger the benefits of a united and 
effective government, or which ought to await the 
future lessons of experience ; a reverence for the 
characteristic rights of freemen, and a regard for 
the public harmon}^, will sufficiently influence) our 
deliberations on the question how far the formef 
can be more impregnably fortified, or the latter be 
safil}^ and advantageously promoted. 

" To the preceding observations I have one to 
add, which will be most properly addressed to the 
house of representatives. It concerns myself, and 
will therefore be as brief as possible. When I 
was first honoured with a call into the service of 
my country, then on the eve of an arduous strug- 
gle for its liberties, the light in which I contem- 
plated my duty recjuired that I should renounce 
every pecuniary compensation. From this reso- 
lution 1 have in no instance departed. And being 
still under the impressions wliich produced it, I 
must decline, as inapplicable to myself, any share 
in the personal emoluments which may be indis- 



244 



liri LIFK OF 



pensably included in a pcr'nanent provision for the 
executive dcpartn\cnt ; and must accordiiig-ly pray 
that the pecuniary cstiiuates lor the station in which 
I am placed, may, during my continuance in it, 
be limited to such actual expenditures as the pub- 
lic g-ood may be thoui^lit to require. 

*' Ha\ing thus imparted to you my sentiments, 
as the\- have been a^^•akened by the occasion which 
brings u-s together, I shall take my present leave ; 
but not without resorting once more to the be- 
nign Parent of the human race, in humble suppli- 
cation, that since he has been pleased to favour 
the American people with opportunities for delib- 
erating in perfect tranquillity, and dispositions for 
deciding with unparalleled unanimity on a form of 
government for the security of their union, and 
the advancement of their happiness ; so his divine 
blessing may be equally conspicuous in the enlarg- 
ed views, the temperate consultations, and the wise 
measures on which the success of this government 
must depend." 

In their answer to this speech, the senate say ; 
" The unanimous suftVage of the elective body in 
vour favour, is peculiarly expressive of the grati- 
: I ide, confidence, and affection of the citizens of 
.'Vmerica, and is the highest testimonial at once of 
your merit, and their esteem. We are sensible, 
sir, that nothing Init the voice of your fellowciti- 
zens could have called you from a retreat, chosen 
with the fondest predilection, endeared by habit, 
and consecrated to the repose of declining years. 
Wc rejoice, and with us all x\merica, that, in obe- 
dience to the call of our common couiUrv, \ ou 



GKORGK WASHIX(rrON. 245 

have returned once more to public life. In you 
all parties confide ; in you all interests unite ; and 
we have no doubt that your past services, great as 
they have been, will be equalled by your future 
exertions ; and that your prudence and sagacity 
as a statesman, will tend to avert the dangers to 
which we were exposed, to give stability to the 
present government, and dignity and splendour 
to that country, which your skill and valour as a 
sol(^cr, so eminently contributed to raise to fnde- 
penTience and to empire." 

The affection for the person and character of 
the president with which ihe imswer of the house 
of rej^resentatives glowed, promised that between 
this branch of the legislature also and the execu- 
tive, the most harmonious co-operation in the pub- 
lic service might be expected. 

" The representatives of the people of the Unit- 
ed States," says this address, " present their con- 
|:^ratulations on the event by which your fellowcit- 
izens have attested the pre-eminence of your mer- 
it. * You have long held the first place in their es- 
teem. You have often received tokens of llieir 
affection. You now possess the only proof that 
remained of their gratitude for your services, of 
their reverence for your wisdom, and of their con- 
fidence in your virtues. You enjoy the highest, 
because tlie truest honour, of being the first mag- 
istrate, by the unanimous choice of the freest peo- 
ple on the face of the earth. 

*' We well know the anxieties with which you 
must have obeyed the summons from the repose 
leserved for vour declining vears, into public 
22^ 



24-6 ' THE LIFE OF 

scenes of which you had taken your leave for ev- 
er. But obedience was due to the occasion. It 
is ah'cady applauded by the universal joy which 
welcomes you to your station. And we cannot 
doubt that it will be rewarded with all the satisfac- 
tion with which an ardent love for your fellowcit- 
izens must review successful efforts to promote 
their happiness. 

" This anticipation is not justified merely by the 
past experience of your signal services. It is Dar- 
ticularly suggested by the i)ious impressions uffier 
which you commence your administration ; and 
the enlightened maxims by which you mean to 
conduct it. We feel with you the strongest obli- 
gations to adore the invisible hand which has led 
the American peoj)le through so many difficulties ; 
to cherish a conscious responsibility for the desti- 
ny of republican liberty ; and to seek the only sure 
means of preserving and recommending the prec- 
ious deposit in a system of legislation founded on 
the principles of an honest policy, and directed by 
the spirit of a diffusive patriotism. •• 

*' In forming the pecuniary provisions for the 
executive department, v\e shall not lose sight of a 
wisli resulting from motives which give it a pecu- 
liar claim to our regard. Your resolution, in a 
moment critical to tlie liberties of your country, 
to renounce all personal emolument, was among 
the many presages of your patriotic services, which 
have been amply fulfilled ; and your scrupulous 
adherence now to tiie law then imposed on your- 
self, cannot fail to demonstrate the purity, Avhilst 
it increases the lustre of a character which has so 
many titles to admiration. 



\ 



GEOUGE VVASlflN'GTON. 247 

" Such arc the sentiments with which we have 
thous^ht fit to address you. They flow froui our 
own hearts, and we verily beheve that among the 
miUions we represent, there is not a vntuous citi- 
zen whose heart will disown theuj. 

" All that remains is, that we join in your fer- 
vent supplications for the blcssiai^ of Heaven on 
oin- country ; and that we add our own for the 
choi.ccst of these blessings on the most beloved of 
her citizens." 

The president and Congress then attended on 
divine servifx. 

In the evening a very ingenious and splendid 
show of fireworks was exhibited. Betwixt the 
fort and the Bowling Green stood conspicuous, a 
superb and brilliant transj)arent painting, in the 
centre of which was the portrait of iJie president, 
rei:)resented under the emblem of Fortitude ; on 
his light hand was Justice, representing the Sen- 
ate of the United States, and on his left Wisdom, 
representing the House of Representatives. 

When Washington commenced his administra- 
tion, the condition of the United States was so 
embarrassed as to excite many fears for the suc- 
cess of the new government. The treasury was 
cmpt}\ Large debts were due both by the old 
Congress and individuals to foreigners, and also 
from the United States to its own citizens, and 
from citizens to citizens. Every effort made by 
the former government to pay, or even to fund its 
debts, had failed, from the imbecility of the feder- 
al system. Great discontents prevailed in the 
United States, ibr the party opposed to the new 
constitution was strong and numerous. Several 



248 THE LIKE OF 

of these were elected to s(:ats in the new Congress. 
Sonic were clamorous for a new eonveiuion, and 
the most moderate for amendments of what had 
been ratified. Two states, North Carolina and 
Rhode Island, by refusinj^ an acceptance of the 
constitution, were without the pale of its opera- 
tions. 

Animosities prevailed to a great degree between 
the Ui\ited States and ( ireat Britain. Each clwrg- 
cd the other with a breach of their late treaty. 
In support of these charges, one party urged the 
seveiities practised toivard the loyalists, and that 
some of the states h.id interposed le,^al impedi- 
ments to the recovery of debts due to British sub- 
jects. The other recriminated b}- alleging, that 
the Briiish, on iheir departure from the United 
States, had carried off with them several thousands 
of negroes belonging to the Americans ; and con- 
timitd to possess sundry posts within the acknowl- 
edged limits of the United States ; and that from 
these posts they encouraged and instigated tiie 
neighbouring Indians to make war on their north- 
western frontier settlements. Spain, from the cir- 
cumstance of their owning the land on each side 
of the n'.outh of the Tviissisippi, claimed the exclu- 
sive navigation of that river; while the western 
inhabitants of the United States looked to their 
countr} for a \ indication of their common right 
to the use of this highway of nature. The boun- 
daries (>f the United States toward tlie territories 
of Spain in the south, and toward those of Britain 
in the northeast, were both unsettled and in dis- 
pute. The whole regular effective force of the 
United States, was less than six hundred mei>. 



GF.ORGE WASniNfJTON. 249 

Their trade was restricted much more than when 
*ithey formed a part of the British empire. They 
had neither money to purcluise, nor a naval force 
to compel the friendship of the Barbary jjowers ; 
and were therefore exposed to capture whenever 
they ventured to trade in the Mediterranean, the 
coasts of whieli oiTered the best marlvcts for sonic 
of their valuable commodities. 

The military strength of the northern Indians 
who inhabited the country between the Lakes, the 
Missisippi, and the Ohio, was computed at five 
thousand men, and of these fifteen hvmdred were 
at open war with the United States. The Creeks, 
in the southwest, who could bring six thousand 
fighting men into the field, were at war with Geor- 
gia. 

These were but a part of the embarrassments 
under which the United States laboured when Gen. 
Washington was called to the helm. The redress 
of most of them required legislative interference, 
as well as executive aid. To point out the partic- 
ular agency of the president in removing these em- 
Ijarrassments, and generally meliorating the condi- 
tion of the United States, is peculiarly the prov- 
ince of the biograpiier of Washington. 

Congress having organized the great depart- 
ments of government, it beeame the duty of the 
president to designate proper persons to fill them. 
In discharging this delicate and difficult trust, 
Washington kept himself free from every engage- 
.ment, and uniformly declined giving decisive an- 
swers to applicants, having previously resolved to 
nominate persons to offices with a sole view to the 
public good, and to bring forward those who, up- 



250 TllU XAVV. 01' 

on every consideration, and from tlic best informa- 
tion he could obtiin, were in his jndgment most' 
likely to answer the great end. 

Under these impressions he placed Col. Hamil- 
ton at the head of the Trcasnry Department. 

At the head of the Department of Foreign Af- 
fairs, lie placed Mr. Jefferson. 

General Knox was continned in the Depart- 
ment of War, which he had filled under the old 
Congress. 

The office of Attorney General was assigned to 
Mr. Kdmund Randolph. 

These composed the cabinet council of the first 
president. 

The judicial department was filled as fol- 
lows ; 

John Jay, of New York, Chief Justice. 

John Rutledge, of South Carolina, 

James Wilson, of Pennsylvania, 

William Cushing, of Massachusetts, 

Robert Harrison, of Maryland, and 

John Blair, of Viiginia, Assoc'iate Judges. 

The officers who had been appointed b\ the in- 
dividual states to manage the revenue, which, un- 
der the old system, was paid into the state treasu- 
ry, were reappointed to corresponding offices un- 
der the new constitution, by which the revenue 
h.id been transferred from the local to the general 
treasury of the union. 

It was among the first cares of Washington to 
inake peace with the Indians. Gen. Lincoln, Mr.. 
Griiliii, and Col. Humphreys, very soon after the 
inauguration of the ])resident, Avere deputed by 
him to treat with the Creek Indians. These met 



Gi:oUfiE WAsniNr;T()N. 



251 



with M'Gillvray, and oilier chiefs of tlic nation, 
with aboi^two tlioasand men, at the Rock Land- 
ing, on tlWfrontiers of Oeoiji^ia. The nei^otiations 
were soon br(jken o(f by M'' iillvray, whose per- 
sonal interests and connexion with Spain were sup- 
posed to have been the real cause of their abrupt 
and unsuccessful termination. The next year 
brought roufjd an accomphshment of the presi- 
dent's wishes, which had f.ilcd in the first attempt. 
Pohcy and interest concurred in recommending 
every prudent measure for detaching the Creek 
Indians from all connexion with the S[)inuards, 
and cementing their friendship with the United 
States. Negotiations carried on with them in the 
vicinity of the Spanisii settlements, promised less 
than ncgoti.itions conducted at the seat of govern- 
ment. To induce a disposition favourable to this 
change of place, the president sent Col. VVillet, a 
gallant and intelligent oIHcer of the late army, 
into the Creek country, ai)j)arently on private bu- 
siness, but with a letter of introduction to M'GilU 
vray, and with instructions to take occasional op- 
portunities to point out the distresses which a war 
with the United States would bring on the Creek. 
nation, and the indiscreti(jn of their breaking off 
the negoti ition at the Rock Landing ; and to ex- 
hort him to rep lir with the chiefs of his nation to 
New York, in order to effect a solid and lasting 
peace. Willet performed these duties with so 
much dexterity, that M'Gillvray, with the chiefs 
of his nation, were induced to come to New York, 
wiiere fresh negotiations commenced, which, on 
the 7th. of August, 1790, terminated in the estab- 
lishment of peace. 



252 Tiin LiiK cn-^ 

The pacific overtures m:ulc by \Vashinp;toii 
to the liulians of the Wabash and th^Iiainis, 
failed of success. Long experience hM taui^ht 
the jM-esident, that on the faihue of ueg-orialions 
with Indians, poHcy, economy, and even human- 
ity, re([uired the eniployiuent of a sufficient force 
to carry offensive war into their country, and lay 
waste their settlements. The accomplishment of 
this was no easy matter. The Indian nations 
were numerous, accustomed to war, and not with- 
out discipline. They were said to be furnish- 
ed with arms and ammunition from the British 
posts held within the United States, in violation 
of the treaty of peace. Generals Harmar and Sin- 
clair were successively defeated by the Indians ; 
and four or five years elapsed before they were 
subdued. This was accomplished by Gen. 
A\^ayMe, in 1794. Soon after that event, a peace 
was concluded, under his auspices, between these 
Indians and the United States. In the progress 
of this last Indian war, repeated overtures ol peace 
were tnade to the North AVestern Indians, but 
rejected. About the same period a new system 
was commenced for turnint;!; them off from hunt- 
ing to the employments of civilized life, by fur- 
nishing them with implements and instructions for 
agriculture and manufactures. 

In this manner, durmg the Presidency of George 
Washington, peace was restored to the frontier 
settlements both in the north and southwest, 
which has continued ever since, and it is likely to 
do so, while, at the same time, the prospect of me- 
liorating the condition of the savages is daily 
brightening ; for the system first began by Wash- 



f.i:ORf;K WAS/fl.VGTOV. 253 

ington with the view of civilizing these fierce sons 
of nature, have been ever since steadily pursued 
by all his successors. Indian wars are no\v only 
known from the records or recollection of past 
events ; and it is probable that the day is not far 
distant when the United States will receive a con- 
siderable accession of citizens from the civilized 
red men of the forest. 



• 23 



254- THE LIFK OF 



ClIArTER XII. 



Cpn. Wasliinsloii attciuls to tJie forci2;n rohilions of tl«c Unileil Stntes. 
Nc^^oihUos wilh Si.aiii ... Uillicultics ill the way. ...The tVec nuvig;;*. 
tiou of the Missisippi is grantcil by a treaty miulc vith Vlajor Ph.ck- 

ney. ...Negotiations with ttritain DifTiculties in the way War 

j)robable."...Mr. Jay's mission His treaty with Great Bntain . ..Op- 
position thereto. ...Is ratifieil. ...Wasltinprton refuses papers to Mouse 
of Uepresentativcs....lJrilish posts in Uuitetl States evacuated. ..^Vgo- 
tiations with France.. ..Genet's aVrival. .. Assumes ille;,'al powers, iu 
Tioiation of the neulrMity of the United States.. ..Is flattered by the 

l.eople, but opposed by the executive Js recalled C.en. Pinckn.y 

sent as public minister to adjust disputes xvUh Ffance....ls not receiv- 
ed -Washington declines a re-election, and addresses the people. 

His last avidross to the national legislature . llQCOmmends a navy, a 
military academy, and other public institutions. 



Events which had taken place before the inaupjii- 
ration of Washir.i^-ton, embarrassed his ncgona- 
tions for the ndjustment of the political relations 
fcetweeu the United States and Spain. 

In the year 1779, Mr. Jay had been appointed 
by the old Cons^ress to make a treaty with his 
Catholic Majesty ; but his best endeavours ior 



I 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



255' 



more than two years were ineffectual. In a fit of 
despondence, while the revolutionary war was 
pressing, he had been authorized to agree "to re- 
linquish, and in future forbear to use the navi- 
gation of the river Missisip])i, from the point 
where it leaves the United Suites, down to the 
ocean." After the war was ended, a majority of 
Con[;ress had agreed to barter away for twenty- 
five years, their claim to this navigation, A long^ 
and intricate negotiation between Mr. Gardoqui, 
the minister of his Catholic Majesty, and the Sec- 
retary of Foreign Affairs, had taken place at New 
York, in the interval between the establishment of 
peace and of the new constitution of the United 
States ; but was rendered aijortive from the inflex- 
ible adherence of Mr. Gardoqui to the exclusion 
of the citizens of the United States from navigat- 
ing the Missisippi below their southern boundary. 
This unyielding disposition of Spain, the inability 
of the United States to assert their claims to the 
navigation of this river, and especially the facility 
which the old Congress had shown to recede from 
it for a term of years, had soured the minds of tiie 
western settlers. Their impatience transported 
them so far beyond the bounds of policy, that 
tliey sometimes dropped hints of separating fron\ 
the Atlajuic States, and attaching diemselves to 
the Spariiards. In this critical state of things, the 
president found abundant exercise for all his pru- 
dence. The western inhabitants were, in fact^ 
thwarting his views in their favour, and encour- 
aging Spain to persist in refusing that free navi- 
gation, which was so ardently desired both by thi; 



256 



riii: LiFR OF 



president and the people. The adherence ol 
Spain to the exclusive use of the lower Missisip- 
pi, and the impolitic discontents of the western 
inhabitants, were not the only cnibarrassnients of 
Washington, in negotiating with the court of Ma- 
drid. 

In 1793, four Frenchmen left Philadelphia, em- 
powered by Mr. (tenet, the minister of tiie French 
Republic, to prepare an ex])edition in Kentucky 
against New Orleans. Si)ain, tiien at war with 
France, was at j^eace with the United States. 
Washington \\'as oOicially bound to interpose his 
authority to prevent the raising of an armed force 
from among his fellowcitizcns to commit hostili- 
ties on a peaceable neighbouring power. Orders 
were accordingly given to the civil authority in 
Kentucky, to use all legal means to prevent this 
expedition ; but the execution of these orders 
was so languid, that it became necessary to call in 
the aid of the regular army. Gen. Wayne was 
ordered to establish a military post at Fort Mas- 
vsac on the Ohio, for the purpose of forcibly stop- 
ping any body of armed men, who, in opposition 
to remonstrances, should persist in going down 
that river. 

Many of the high spirited Kentuckians were so 
exasperated against the Spaniards, as to be very 
willing to second the views of the French minis- 
ter, and under his auspices to attack New Orleans. 
The navigation of the Missisippi was so necessa- 
ry for conveying to projier markets the surplus- 
age of their luxuriant soil, that to gain this privi- 
lege, others were willing to receive it from the 
hands of the Spaniards at the price of renouncing 



<5E0RGE WASHINGTON. 257 

all political connexion vvilli tlie United States. 
While tiicjiC opposite modes of seeking u remedy 
for the same evil were pursuing by persons of dif- 
ferent temperaments, a remonstrance from the in- 
habitants of Kentucky was presented to :'• ashing- 
ton and Congress. This demanded the use of the 
Missisip])i as a natural riglir, and at the same time 
charged the government xvitli being under the in- 
fluence of a local policy, which had prevented all 
serious efforts for the acquisition of a right which 
was essentiil to the prosperity of the western peo- 
ple. It spoke the language of an injured people, 
irritated by the maladnunistration of their public 
servants ; and hinted the probability of a dismem- 
berment of the u5jion, if their natural lights were 
not vindicated by government. To appease these 
discontents ; to restrain the French from making 
war on the Spaniards with a force raist.d and em- 
bodied in the United States ; and at the same 
time, by fair negotiation, to obtain tlie free use of 
the Missisi})pi from the court of Madrid, was the 
task assigned to VVash^ng.on. Diffieult and deli- 
cate as it was, the whole was accomplished. An- 
terior to the receipt of the Kentucky remonstrance, 
the j)rebident, well knowing the discontents of the 
interior people, and that the publication of them 
would obstruct his views, iiad f jrected the Secre- 
tary of State to give assuraiices to tlic Governor 
of Kentucky, that every exertion was making to 
obtain lor the vvehjtent people the free navigation 
they so Uiuch desired. The strong arm of gov- 
ernment was successfully exeittd to fiustrate the 
expedition pnjectecl by the French mii.ister' 
against New Orleans ; and, while these muttgrs^ 
23* 



258 



riiK LIFE or 



were pending, Major Thomas Pinckney was ap 
pointed envoy extraordinary to the court of Ma 
drid ; and in the year 1795. he conckided a treaty 
with his CathoHc Majesty, in which the claims of 
the United States on the subject of boundary, and 
the navigation of the Missisippi, were fully con- 
ceded. By these events, the discontents of the 
western people were done away. Tranquillity 
was restored between the Athmtic and western 
states ; and all points in controversy between the 
United States and Spain were satisfactorily ad- 
justed. The most important of these, the free 
navigation of the Missisippi, had been the subject 
of discussion in the hands of different negotiators, 
for almost the whole of the i«miediately preceding 
fifteen years. 

Great were the difficulties Washington had to 
cjicouwter in amicably settling all matters with 
Spain ; but much greater stood in the way of a 
peaceable adjustment of various grounds of con- 
troversy between the United States and Great 
Britain. 

Each of these two nations charged the other 
with a breach of the treaty of ])eac.e, in 1783, and 
each supported the charge against die otiier, with 
more solid arguments than either alleged in their 
ow^n defence. 

The peace terminated the calamities of the war, 
but was far from terminating the resentments 
whieh were excited by it. Maiiy in the United 
States believed that Great Britain was their natur- 
al enemy, and that her views of subjecting the 
United States to her empire, were only for the 
present suspended. Soon after the peace, Mr. 



OIuORM: \VASliINr,TOX. 



25 S 



John Adams liad been deputed by the old Con- 
gress to ricgoliaic a treaty between the United 
States and Great liiitain ; l)Ut tlie latter declined 
to meet this advance of the former. Wlnlc he 
ur^i d on the court of Great Britain, the necessi- 
ty they were under by the late treaty to evacuate 
their |)osts on the south side of the lakes of Cana- 
da, they retorted tJiat some of the states had, in 
violation of the same treaty, passed laws interpos- 
hvr Icj^al impedi'nents to the recovery of debts 
due to Britisii suljjects. 

VVashinjijton's love of justice was not weaken- 
ed by partiality to his country. In a letter to fi 
member of Congress, he observed, *' It was im- 
politic and unfortunate, if not unjust, in those states 
to pass laws, which, by fair construction, might 
be considered as infractions of the treaty of peace. 
It is good policy at all times, to place one's adver- 
sary in the wrong. Had we observed good faith, 
and the western posts had ixen withheld from us 
by Great Britain, we might have appealed to God 
and man for justice." 

" What a misfortune is it," said he, in another 
letter, " that the British should have so well 
grounded a pretext for their jjalpable infractions ; 
and what a disgraceful part, out of tlie choice of 
difficulties before us, arc we to act I" 

In the first years of VV^tshington's presidency, 
he took informal measures to sound the British 
cabinet, and to ascertain its views respecting the 
United States. To Mr Gouverneur Morris, who 
had been carried by private business to Kurope, 
this negotiation was intrusted. He conducted it 
with ability ; but found no disposition in the court 



260 TIIF- r.TFF- OP 

of GrcMt Britain to acctcle to the wishes of the 
United Stutcs. In about two 3 cms hiore, when 
the stability and eiitrjj^y of the j^ovcrniiient as ad- 
ministered by Washinji^ion became a matter of 
public notoriety, the British, of their own motion, 
sent Mr. Hanimond, their first minister to the 
United States. 'I'his advance induced the presi- 
dent to nominate Mr.vTliomas Pinckniy as min- 
ister plenipotentiaiy to the court of Great Brit- 
ain. 

About this time warconimenced between France 
and Great Britain. The correct, sound judg;ment 
f)i Washington instantl\ dt cided that a perfect neu- 
tj-ality was the right, the duty, and the interest of 
the United States, and of this he ^ave public no- 
tice by a proclaiuation, in April, 1793. Subse- 
quent events have proved the wisdom of this uieas- 
int, though it was then reprobated by many. 
The war ioctween the late enemies and friends of 
the United Slates, revived revolutionary feelings 
in the breasts of the citizens, and inlisted the 
strongest passions of human nature against the one, 
and in favour of the other. A wish for the suc- 
cess of l' ranee was almost universal ; and nitiny 
were willing to hazard the peace of their country, 
by taking an active part in the war in her favour. 
The proc[^imation was at variance with the feel- 
ings and the passions of a large portion of the cit- 
izens. To compel the observance of neutrality 
under these eircuuislances, was no easy matter. 
Hitherto Wushington had the people with him ; 
but in this case a large proj)ortion was on the 
other side. His resolution Was nevertheless un- 
shaken ; and at the risk of popuhu ity he persisted 



GK0R(;K WASHINGTON. 2G1 

ill promoting the real ,qood of his fcllowcitizens, 
in oppobilion to their own mistaken wishes and 
Aicws. 

The tide of popular opinion ran as strongly 
against Britain as in favour (if France. Tlie form- 
er was accused of instigaiins^,' tlie Indians to acts 
of hostility at^ainst the United States ; of impress- 
ing their sailors ; of illegally capturing their ships ; 
and of stirring up the Algerines against them. 
The whole of this hostility was referred to a jeal- 
ousy of the growing importance of the United 
States. Motions were made in Congress for se- 
questering debts due to British sul>jccls ; for en- 
tering into commercial hostility witli Great Britain, 
and even for interdicting all intercourse with her, 
till she pursued other measures with respect to the 
United States. Every appearance portended im- 
mediate war between the two countries. The pas- 
sionate admirers of France wished for it ; while 
others, more attached to 13ritish systems, dreaded 
a war witli Great Britain, as being likely to throw 
the United States into the arms of France. In 
this state of things, when war seemed iiievitable, 
the president composed the troubled scene by nom- 
inating John Jay, in April, 1794, envoy extraor- 
dinary to the court of London. By this meas- 
ure a truce was obtained, and that fmaHy ended 
in an adjustmciit of the points in controversy be- 
tween the two countries. The exercise of the 
constitutional right of the president to negotiate, 
virtually suspended all hostile legislative meas- 
ures ; for these could not with delicacy or propri- 
ety be urged, while the executive was in the act 
of trealingfor an amicable Luljustmeutof differences. 



262 THE LIFE OF 

A treaty between the United States and Grcafi 
Britain was the result of this niission. This was; 
pronounced by Mr. Jay, " to be tlie best that was; 
attainable, and which lie bclii ved it lor the inter- 
est of the United States to accept." Wliile thej 
treaty was before the Senate for consitlcration, at 
member, contrary to the rules of tl^it body, fur- ! 
nished an editor of a newspaper with a copy of it.! 
This beiiii;' published, operated like a spark of iire 
applied to combust-ble m:-.lena!s. The ang;ry pas- 
sions which foi some short tniie had been smoth-i 
ered, broke out ;iiVesh. Some went to far us to; 
pronounce the treaty a surrender of their powcri| 
to their late ene-ny, Great BriUiin, and a derelic-| 
tiou ci then- tried friend and ally, France. Thej 
nice iv.-xierir-e sa'd, tlut foo inueli was '^iven, and 
too liitic received. Meetinos of the people were 
held at Boston, !Tevv York, Philadelphia, Balti- 
more, Charleston, and several other places, in 
which t!:e treaty wae ]^ronounced to be unworthy, 
oi' accejtance, -iid petiaoac \\ere aj^reed upon 
and for^varded to tMe president, urging hini to re- 
fuse his signature to the obnoxious instrument. 

'i'hcse agitations furnishc-.d matter for serious 
reflection to the president, but th.ey did not affect 
his conduct, though they induced a reiterated ex- 
amination of t'ne subject. In a private letter to a 
friend, aftFi- reciting the importance of the erisis,j 
he adcied, " There is but one straight course, audi 
that is to seek truth and to pursue it steadily."! 
It is probable that he had early n.ade up his mind 
to ratify tiie treaty as belter than none, and infiJ' 
nitely better than war ; but regretted that it was 
so g'enerall}- disliked, and considered by manV cts 



r.EORGK WASm.VOTON. 



263 



made with a design to oj)press the French Repub- 
lic. Under the wcii^hi of his high respons biiity, 
he consoled himself, '' that in time when passion 
shall have yiek!ed to reason, the current may pos- 
sibly turn." Peace with all the world vvas his pol- 
ic\ , where it could be preserved with honour. 
War he considered as an evil of such magnitude, 
as in ver to be entered upon without the most im- 
pel ious necessity. The mission of Mr. Jay M^ 
h's last effort for the prer>ervation of peace \mn 
Grtui Biiuiin. The rejection of the treaty which 
resulted from this mission, he considered as the 
harbinger of war ; for negotiation having failed to 
redress grievances, no aliernative but war was left-. 
By tills prudent conduct, the rising states were 
preserved in peace, but the bickerings of the cit- 
izens among themselves, and their animosities 
agiinst Great Britain, still continued. The pop- 
ularity of tiic president for the present was ditian- 
ished ; but on tins he had counted. In a letter to 
Gen. Knox, he observes, " Next to a conscien- 
tious discharge of my public duties, to carry along 
with me the approi:)atlon of my constituents, would 
be the highest gratification of which my mind is 
susceptible. But the latter being secondary, I 
cannot make the tormer yield to it, unless some 
criterion more infallible than partial, if they are 
not party, meetings, can be dise.ovcied as the 
touchstone of public sentiment. If any person oil 
earth could, or the Great Power above would 
erect the standard of intcillibihty in political opin- 
ions, no being that inljahi's this t<. rrestrial globe, 
would resort to it with inore eagerness than my- 



^64 



THE LIFE OF 



Belf, SO long as I remain a servant of the piibilc. 
But as I have hitherto found no better guide than 
upright intentions, and close investigation, I shall 
adhere to them while I keep the watch." 

After the treaty was duly ratified, an attempt 
was made to render it a dead letter, by refusing 
the appropriations of money necessary to carry it 
into eflVct. Preparatory to this, a motion was 
iimle for the adoption of a resolution to request 
the president to lay before the House of Repre- 
sentatives a copy of his instructions to Mr. Jay, 
together with the correspondence and other docu- 
ments relative to the treaty with Great Britain. 
This involved a new question, where the treaty 
making power was constitutionally lodged ? The 
debate was animated and vehement. Appeals were 
made both to reason and passion. After a discus- 
sion of more than twenty days, the motion was 
carried in the affirmative by a majority of twenty 
five votes. When the resolution was presented to 
the president, he rei)lied, " That he would take 
time to consider it." His situation was peculiar- 
ly delicate ; the passions of the people were strong- 
ly excited against the treaty ; the popularity of 
the demand being solely for information ; the large 
majority by which the vote was carried ; the sus- 
picions that would probably attach in case of re- 
fusal, that circumstances had occurred in the course 
of the negotiation which the president was afraid 
to publish, added to other weighty considerations, 
would have induced minds of an ordinary texture, 
to yield to the request. With Washington, pop- 
ularity was only a secondary object. To follow 



N GEOr.GE WASHINGTON. 266 

the path of duty and the public good was a prima- 
ry one. He h id sworn to " preserve, protect, and 
defend the constitution."" In his opinion the trea- 
ty makini^ power was exckisively given by the 
peojile in convention to the executive, and that the 
public good required that it should \yc so exer- 
cised. Under the irifiuence of these solemn obli- 
gations, he returned the following answer to the 
resolutiion which had been prescnied to Imn. 

" Gentl3men of the Iktine of I?fpresi'!i!r,tivrii, 

*' With the utmost attention I have considered 
your resolution of the 24t.h. inst. requesting me to 
lay before your house a copy of the instructions 
'to the mniister of the United Srates, who negoti- 
ated the treaty W'th the kiiig of Great Briuin, to- 
gether with the correspondence and other docu* 
ments relative to that treaty, excepting such of the 
said papers as any existing negotiation may ren- 
der improper to be disclosed. 

*' In deliberating upon this subject, it was im- 
possible for me to lose sight of the principle which 
sonie have avowed in its discussion, or to avoid 
extending my views to the con a qiienees which 
i, must flow from the admission of triat principle. 
[ " I trust that no part of my conduct has ever 
indicated a disposition to v/ithhold any informa- 
tion which the constitution has enjoined it upon 
the president as a duty to give, or which could be 
required of him by either house of Congress as a 
right ; and with truth 1 affirm, that it has been, 
ias it will continue to be, while I have the honour 
to preside in the government, my constant endeav- 
our to iiarmoiuze with the other brunches thereof 
24 



266 THE UFE OF 

SO for as the trust delegated to me by the people 
of the United States, and my sense of the obhi^a- 
tion it imposes, * to preserve, proteet, and defend 
the constitution,' will permit. 

" The nature of foreii^n nei^otutions requires 
<uaution, and their suecess mubt often depend on 
secrecy ; and even when brou_y;ht to a coneiasion, 
a full disclosure of all the measures, demands, or 
eventual concessions, wiiich may h.ivc betn pro- 
posed or contemplated, would be extremely impol- 
itic ; for this might huve a pernicious influence on 
future negotiations, or produce immediate incon- 
veriiences, perhaps dai.ger and mischief, to other 
persons. The necessity of such caution and se- 
crecy was one cogent reason for vesting the pow- 
er oi' making treaties in the president, with the ad- 
vice and consent of the Senate, the principle on 
which that body was formed confining it to a small 
Duml.er of ineip.bers. 

" To admit then a right in the House of Reprc- 
sentaiives to demand, and to have as a matter of 
course, all the papers respecting a negotiation v/ith 
a foreign ])o\ver, would be to establish a danger- 
ous prectdent. 

" It does not occtir that the inspection of the pa- 
pers asked for, can be relative to any purpose un- 
der the cognisance of the House oi Rt presenta- 
tives, except that of an impeachiueut, 'riiich the 
resolution has not expressed. I repeat that 1 have 
no disposition to withhold any infor.uation which 
the duty of my station will permit, or the public! 
good shall require, to l)e disclosed ; and in fact all 
the papers affecting the negotiation vvitii Grcaf 
Britain were laid before the Senate when the trea- 






GEORGE TYASHIXGTOW. 267 

ty itself was conimuaicated for their considerations 
and advice. 

" The course which the debate has taken on the 
resolution of the house, leads to some observatious 
on the mode of makin,^ treaties under the consti- 
tution of the United States. 

" Having been a mcmi:)er of the general con- 
vention, and knowing the principles on which the 
constitution was formed, j have ever entertained 
but one opinion upon this subject ; and from the 
first establishment of the governnient to this mo- 
ment, my conduct has cxempliiied that opinion. 
That the power of making treaties is exelusively 
A'csted in the president, by and v/iih the advice and 
consent of the Senate^ provided two tiiirds of the 
senators present concur ; and tilat every treaty so 
made and promulgated, thenceforward becomes 
the law of the land. It is thus that the treaty mak- 
ing power has been understood by foreign na- 
tions ; and in all the treaties made with them we 
have declared, and they have believed, that when 
ratified by the president with the advice and con- 
sent of the Senate, they become obligatory. In 
this construction of the constitution, cvicry House 
of Representatives has heretofore acquiesced, and, 
until the present time, not a doubt or susi)icioii 
has appeared to tny knowledge that this eonstruc- 
tion vt'as not the true one. iN'ay, they ha\'e more 
than acquiesced ; for until now, without contro- 
verting the obligation of such treaties, they have 
made all the requisite provisions for carrying them, 
into effect. 

" There is also reason to believe that this con- 
straciiuii ai!;rees with tlie opinions entertained bv^ 



268 111^ LIFE OP 

the state convciitiorjs, when they \\-cre deliberat- 
ing on the constitution, especially by those who 
objected to it ; because there was not required in 

ccinn.. ;\i. 1 trt.:'t;'.s the consent of two thirds of 
the \wiv-'v nuuibcr of the nicn^htrs of the Senate, 
i;^i;:c:,d c i Iwo thirds of the :^e; . .tni ; and 

because i:\ trcavies respecting; tc. ...... :_ i aud certain 

ether rights -and claims, the concurrci.ee of three 
fourths of the whole number of the n^iCnibers of 
both houses respectively was not m.ide necessary. 

" It is a fact d^'cbrcd by the (rvr^^yA conven- 
tion, and univei ;el;, ;;n^!;.; oLesoil, i!..;^ ihe coesii- 
tution of the Uniied fctiiees was the result of a spir- 
it of amity and rnutual concession ; and it is well 
known tl.at under tliis iniiuence, the smaller states 
wcvQ adiuiited to an ecjual representation in the 
Senate widi the larger states, and that this branch 
of the go\errmient was invested v>^ith great pow- 
ers ; for on the equal participation of those pow- 
ers, the sovereignty and political safety of the 
smaller states were deen-sed essentially to depend. 

" If other proofs tlian these, and the plain letter 
of the constitution itself, be necessary to ascertain 
tlie point ur.der cor^sideration, they may be found 
m the journals of the genfrcu cori^crilion., which I 
have deposited ia tlie olTice of the department of 
state. In these journals it will appear that a prop- 
osition was made ' thait no treaty should be bind- 
ing on the United States which was not ratified 
by a law ;' aiid tliat the pi-oposiliou was explicit- 
ly rejected. 

"■ As therefore it is pcifectly clear to my under- 
stuivJin;;-, dust the assent of the House of Repre- 
sentatives is not necessary to the validity of a trea- 



GE'OIcGE WASHINGTON. 260 

ty ; as the treaty vvith Great Britain exhibits in it- 
self ail the objects requiriiiiJ^ IcL^rjlaiivc provision, 
■ and on these the pajjers called for can throw no 
light ; and as it is essential to the due administra- 
tion of the government, that the boundaries iixed 
by the constitution between the different depart- 
ments should be preserved ; a just regard to the 
constitution and to the duty of my office, under all 
the circn instances of this case, forbid a compliance 
witli your request." 

Though the call for papers v/as unsuccessful, 
the f-ivourers of the resolution for that purpose op- 
posed ihe appropriations necessary to carry the 
treaty into effect ; but, from the firmness of the 
president, the ground was altered. 'I'he treaty was 
ratified, and proclaimed to the public as coiistiui- 
tionally obligatory on the citizens. To refuse ap- 
propriations for can} ing it into efilrct, would riot 
only incur the high responsibility,' oi breaking tne 
public iaith, but make a schism in the goveriimcnt 
between the executive and legislative depart. nenis. 
After long and vehement debates, in which a. ga- 
nient and passion were both resorted to, witii lae 
view of exposing the mer ts and deuierits of ilie 
treaty, the, resolution for bringing iiithe law;, nec- 
essary to carry it into effect, was carried by a sna- 
j.ority of three. Tnougli m thisd;^ioussion vVish- 
ington had no direct agency, yet the fi.ial resuii in 
favour of the treaty 'vas the consequence of the 
measures he had previously ado))ied. For iuiving 
ratified the treaty and. pu binned it to tlie world as 
the luw of the land, a icl iiavi ig in his answer to 
Ihe request of tne House of iiepresCiitatives, prov-- 



270 THK TJFR OP 

cd that lie had a constitiuional right so to do, tho! 
laws necessary for Lnvinji; t(il'i:t to the treat} , could 
not be withheld without iiazardiiig tlic most seri- 
ous consequences. 

The treaty which was thus carried into opera- 
tion, ])roduced more good and less evil than was 
apprehended. It coMi]Momiscd ancient diiFcrcn- 
ces, produced amicable dispositions, and a friend- 
ly imercoursc. It brought round a j)caceable sur- 
render of the British posts, and compensation for 
Aincrican vessels illegally captured. Though it 
gave up some fovoviritc principles, and souk- of 
its articles relative to commerce, were deemed un- 
equal, yet from Britain, as a great naval power, 
holding valuable colonies and foreign possessions, 
notliing bettor, cither with or without the treaty, 
could have been obt;iincd. 

After the lapse of ten years has cooled the mipds 
both of the friends and enemies of the treaty, most 
men will acknowledge that the measures adopted 
by Washington with respect to it were fbunded 
m wisdom ; proceeded from the purest patriot- 
ism ; were carried liirough with uncommon lirni- 
ness ; and finally eventuated in advanciiig tiie in- 
terests of his covmtry. 

Thorny and diiTicult as was the line of policy- 
proper to be pursued by Washington with res[iect 
to Britain, it was much more Bo in regard to 
France. Tlic revolution in France, and the estab- 
lishment of tJK^ constitution of the United States, 
were nearly coten^porary events. 'J'ill about the 
year 1793, perfect harmony subsisted l)etween the 
two «ountries ; but fi'ora the commencement of 



GEOnGR WASTITNGTOI^: ^71 

the war l)ct\vccn France and England, the great- 
est address was recjiiisite to prevent the United 
St.iies from Ixing involved in war with one or the 
other, and sonietinies with both. Good will to 
France, and hatred to Biitiiin, which had prevail- 
ed more or less from the peace oi' 1783, revived 
with a great increase of force on the breaking out 
of war between the two countries. These dispo- 
sitions were greatly increased by the arrival of Mr. 
Genet, the first minister plenipotentiary from the 
rej)nblic of France to the United States. He land- 
ed April 8th. 1793, at Charleston, H. C. the con- 
tiguity of which to the West Indies, fitted it to be 
a convenient resort for privateers. By the Gov- 
' rnor of the state, Wm. Moultrie, and the citi- 
zens, he was received with ardour approaciiing to 
enthusiasm." During his stay, wlncli was for sev- 
eral days, he received unecjui vocal proofs of the 
warmest attachment to his person, his country, and 
its cause. F.ncounfged by these evidences of the 
good wishes of the people for the success of die 
French revolution, he undertook to authorize the 
fitting and anting of vessels in that [)ort, inlistrng 
men, and giving commissions to vessels to cruise 
and conimii hostilities on nations vviUi whom the 
United States were at peace, 'i'he captures made 
by tliese cruisers were to be tried, condemned, ;ind 
sold, under the authority of Cienet, who had not 
yet been recognised as a public minister by the 
govenimO.i-. 

Similar marks of enthusiastic attachment were 
lavished on Genet as he passed through the coun- 
try between Charleston and Philadelphiii. At 
Gray's lerry, over the Schuylkill, he was met by 



272 TFIF, UFR 01? 

crowds who flocked to do honour to the first am- 
bassador oF a republican alliid nation. On the 
day after his arrival in PiuLukljihia, he re eeived 
addresses from societies and ihe inhabitants, who 
expressed their gratitude for the aids fuinislud by 
the French nation to the United Stales in their late 
Strui^gle for liberty and indejxndence, and un- 
bounded exultation at the success of the French 
arms, (icnet's ansv\ers to these addresses v\ere 
Avell calculated to preserve tlie idea of a complete 
fraternity between the two nations, and that their 
interests we<e the same. 

Alter Genet had been thus accredited by the 
citizens of Philadelphia, he was presented to the 
piesident, and received with expressions of a sin- 
cere and cordial regard for his nation. In the 
conversations which took place on the occasion, 
IVJr. Genet pjave the most explicit assurances that 
France did not wish to engiige the United Suites 
in die war between his country and Gieat Britain. 

\'\ hile Mr. (ienet was receiving these Hattering 
marks of attention from the people, the British 
minister preferred a long catalogue of eomplaints 
agcinst his proceedings at Charleston. This was 
founded on the acts already nuntioned*, which 
Were CiiKulated to nuike the United nates instru- 
n\ents of hostility in the hands of France, against 
those with whom she was at war. 'I'hese were 
faiiher aggravated by actual hostilities in the tcr- 
ri'Ories.of the United States. The sW-^:) Grange, 
a British vessel, was captured by the French frig- 
ate FAmbuscade, within the Ca))(.s of the Dela- 
ware, while on her way from Philadelphia to the 
ocean. Of iliis ship, and of oUicr illegal prizes 



tEORfiP; WASn!N"GT01sr. 



27S 



which were in the power of the American govern- 
incut, the Britisli minister demanded restitution. 

The cabinet council ol' Washington was unani- 
mony that every independent nation was exclu- 
sively sovercii^n in iis own territories, and thai the 
l)roceedini^s complained of were unwarranted uslir- 
pailons oi snvercij^nty, and violations of neutrali- 
ty ; and therefore must in future be prevented, 
j'l was also a^^recd that the efux^acy of the laws 
should be tried against d)Ose citizens of the Unit- 
ed States who had joined in llic oficiices comi^lain- 
ed of. The restiiuUon of tlie Grange was also 
agreed to ; but on the propriety of enforcing the 
restitution of prizes made on the high seas, there 
was a diversity of sentiment, the Stcretaiies of the 
Treasury and of War being ibr it, and tlic Sccre- 
taiy (;f State and the Attorney General against it. 
The principles on which a concurrence of senti- 
ment had taken place being considered as setlicd, 
the Secretary of State was desired to conmnmi- 
cate them to the ministers of France and lA' Ixiit- 
ain ; and circular letters fvere written to the Gov- 
ernois of the several states, requiring them to co- 
operate with force, if necessary, to execute the 
rules which had been agreed upon. 

Mr. Genet was iiigliiy dissatisfied with these 
determinations, and considered them as subver- 
sive of the treaty between tiie United Slates and 
France. His rcpresentatioiis induced a reconsid- 
( raco'i of the sul)j^c't ; but on the rno.'.t dispassion- 
ate review of it, no reason appeared for an ahera- 
ti'),! of any pait oi iiic hystem. The minister of 
France was further informed, that in the opiniogi 



274 



TUP. LIFH OP 



of the president, the vessels which had been ille- 
gally equipped, should depart from the ports of the 
United Stiitcs. 

Mr. Genet, adhering to his own construction of 
the treaty between France and tlie United Slates, 
would not acquiesce in tliose decisions of tiie s^ov- 
ernnKnt. Intoxicated with the ilatterinjv atten- 
tions he had received, and igMorant of the iirmness 
of the executi\'e, lie seems to have expected that 
the popularity of his nation and its cause, would 
enable Win to undermine the executive, or render 
it subservient to his views. 

About this time, two t'ilizens of the United 
States who h id been engaired in Charleston by Mt\ 
Gt net, to cruise in the service of France, were ar- 
rested by the civil authority, in pursuance of tlie 
determination fornied'in government to prosecute 
persons who had ofteiuLd against the laws. Mr. 
Genet demanded their release as French citizens^ 
in tl\e most extraordinary terms. This was refus- 
ed ; but on trial they were, acquitted by the ver- 
dict of a jury. 

Tlie nuiiister of the French republic was encour- 
aged to this line of opposiiion, by a belief that the 
sentin-ienis of the pt-oplv were in his fcfvour. So 
extrivagait was their enthusi istio devotcdness to 
France ; hO acrimoniou'-i were their expressions 
againsl all the powers at war with the new rcjnib- 
lic, that a person less sanguine than Mr. Genet 
might have cherished tlie hope of being able to 
succeed so far with the people, as, with ihei'- sup- 
por , ulli.ii.itely lo triumph over tilt opposition he 
experienced. At civic festivals, the ensigns of 



GEOllfJE WASHINGTOX. 275 

France were dibplaycd in union with those of 
America; at these th ■ cap oi" liberty pasbccl from 
head to iicad, and toasts were given expressive of 
the fraterniiy of the two nations. The procl mia- 
tion of neutruiity was treated as a royal edict, vviiich 
demonstrated the disposition oi the [government to 
break its coiinexions with France, und dissolve tlie 
friendsliip which united the people of the two re- 
puijiics. I'he scenes of the revolutionary war 
were brought into view ; the effects of Brit. sli hos- 
tility against the United States, and of FreiicJiaids 
both in men and money in their lavour, were paint- 
ed in glowiiig (olours. The enni;ty of Britain to 
the ^Uiuied Slates was representtd as contmuing 
undimhiished; and in proot of it their detention 
of the western posts, and th'eir exciting from these 
stations die neighbouring Indians to matte wai on 
the frontier settlers, were urged with great vehe- 
mence, and contrasted with the amicable disposi- 
tions professed by the French republic. It was 
indignanily asked, should a friend and an enemy 
be trtiited with equal favour ? By declamations of 
thi^ kiiid dajly issuing from the press, the public 
miiKl was so ihilamed against the executive, that 
Genet, caLulating on the partialities of the peo- 
ple, openly insulted the government ; and, adher- 
ing to his own construction of die treaty that he 
had a right to do as he had done, threatened to 
app.ral lo the sovereign people against tlieir presi- 
dent. 

'Jo preserve neutrality in such a crisis, was no 
easy matter. Waslungton, adhermg lo d.e piin- 
cij)ies avowed in hib late proclurnaiiO/i, and em- 
bodied ill the declaration of independence, " that 



276 THE LU-K OP 

the United States would hold nil mnukind enemies 
in WW and friends in peace," exerted all his au- 
thority and iiiHuence to keep the balance even be- 
tween the beilii^erents.* 

It was at lenijth resolved by \\'ashington to in- 
struct Mr. Moiris, the minister of the United 
States at Paris, to requt st the recall of Mr. Genet ; 
and that Mr Morris should be furnished with all 
the necessary doou nents to evince the propriety of 
the request. What was asked was {^ranted ; and 
M •. Genet's conduct was disappR)\ fd by Ins gov- 
ernment. Mr. Faucliet was appointed his suc- 
cessor, who was suoceedLd by Sir. Adet. The 
latter brought with hi»n the colours of France, 
which he wjs directed to present to the Unhed 
States. To .;nswer the* animated speech of Mr. 
Adet on his prtsentino- the colours, required ad- 
dress. The occasion required something afVec- 
tionate and complimentary to the French nation ; 
and yet the guarded policy of Washington forbade 
the utterance ol" any sentiments which might be 
improper in the chief magistrate of a neutral coun- 
try, when addressing the represeiuaiive of one of 
the belligerent powers. Impressed with this dou- 
ble view, the president made the following reply ; 

*' Born, sir, in a laiKi of liberty ; having early 
learned its value ; having engaged in a perilous 

• [f Wasbiiiitton ami Uoiuoe li.ul l)oon ef>tciupi)i'arios, the worM 
VOuUI have sui)ii)stil that the latlci- had the former in liis eve, when 
he penned his tani»us ode — 

"Justiitn i^ touaconi iiropositi virura 
Noil oiviuai aidi)r jM-ava jubonlium, 
Noil vultiis iiisiai.iis t> i-ami 
Me«le qiiatit solida ." 



.hOi;(.K vvasi:;n(.i (>.v. 



277 



r.onflict to defend It ; having, in a word, devoted 
the Ix-st years of my life to secure its permanent 
establishment in my own country ; my anxious 
recollections ; my sympathetic feelings ; and my 
best wishes, are irresistibly attracted, whensoever, 
in any country, I sec an oppressed nation inifurl 
the banners of freedom. But above all, the events 
of the French revolution have produced the deep- 
est solicitude, as well as the hitjhest admiration. 
To call your nation brave, were to pronounce but 
common praise. Wonderful peo|)le ! ages to come 
will read with astonishment the history of * our 
brilliant exploits. I rrjoice that the period /jf your 
toils and of your immense sacrifices is approach- 
ing. I rejoice that the interesting revolutionary 
movements of so many years have issue d in the 
formation of a constitution designed to give per- 
manency to the gre.it oljject for which you have 
contended. I rejoice that liberty, which you have 
-so loi]g embraced uiih enthusiasm; liberty, of 
which you have Ixen the invincible defenders, now 
fnidsan asylum in the bosom of a regularly organ- 
iz(;d government ; a govermnent, whirh, being 
formed to secure the happiness of the French peo- 
ple, corresponds w th the ardent wisiies of my 
heart, while it graiifi';s the pride ol ev^ry citizen 
of the United States by its resemblance to tlieir 
own. On these glorious events, accept, sir, my 
sincere congratulations. 

*' In delivering to you these sentiments, I ex- 
press not my own feelings only, but those of my 
fellowcitizens, in relulion to tlie commencement, 
the progress and the issue, of the French revolu- 
tion ; and they will certainly join with me in pur- 
25 



2TS THE LIFE OF 

est wisIks to the Supreme Being, that the citi-^cns 
of our sister Republic, our magnaiiinious allies, 
may soon enjoy in peace thai liberty vvhieli they 
have purchased at so great a price, aud all the hap. 
piness that liberty can bestow. 

" I receive, sir, with lively sensibility, the sym- 
bol of the triumphb and of the infranchiseinents of 
your nation, the colours of France, which you have 
row presented to .the United Stares. 'J he trans- 
action will be announced to Congress, and the col- 
ours will be deposited with the archives of the 
United States, n hich are at once the exidence and 
the mcnionals of their freedo.naiid independence. 
May these be jktjk tual ! and may the IViep.dship of 
the two republics be connnensurate with their ex- 
istence!" ' 

The successors of Genet continued to tread in 
his steps, but with less violence. The}- made fre- 
quent complaints of particular cases of hardship 
which grew out of tl^e war, and out of the rules 
whioh had been established l)y tile executive with 
regard to ships of war, cruisers, and their prizes. 
Tiiey complained particularly tliat in the treaty 
with Great Britain, the priijciple of " free ships 
making free goods," was given up ; and urged the 
injustice, while FrciK'h cruisers were restrained by 
treaty from taking English goods out of American 
bottoms, that English cruisers should be liberated 
from the same restraint. In vain did the execu- 
tive show a willingness to release France from the 
pressure of a situation in which she had vohmta- 
rily placed herself. Private explanations were 
made, that neither the late treaty made with Brit- 
ain, nor the arrangements growing out oi' it, lur- 



nishc'd any real cause of complaint to France. 
With the same conciliatory view, Washinj^on ap- 
pointed Gen. l^inckney minibter plenipotentiury to 
the IVeifch republic, " to maintain tliat good un- 
derstanding, vvl)ich, from the commencement of 
the alliance, had subsisted between the two na- 
tions, and to efface uiil'avourable impressions, ban- 
ish suspicion, and restore that cordiality which, 
was at once the evidence and pledge of a friendly 
uition." The Directory having inspected his let- 
terof credence, announced their haughty deter- 
iTiinationy^*' not to receive another minister from 
the United Slates, until after a redress of grievan- 
ces demanded of the American government, which 
the French re[)ubiic had a right toexj)ect from it." 
"i his was followed by a written mandate to Gen. 
Pinckney, to quit the territories of the republic. 
'I'c) complete the system of hostility, American 
vessels, wherever found, were captured by French 
cruisers. 

From tliis mission Washington expected an -ad- 
justment of all points in drspute between J'V^'ice 
and the Uiiiled States. In Ins opinion, the failure 
of it was owing to a belief that the American peo- 
ple were in unison with France, imd jn opposition 
to tlieir own government ; and that high toned 
measures (jn the part of Frcincf, would induce a 
char.ge of rulers in the United Slates. Befoie the 
lesuk ot the mission was known, VVashinglon had 
at his owji request ceased to be president, iiav- 
ing made peace with the Indians, and udju ;ted alt 
matters in dispute with both Spain and Jiritain, 
and hoping that an accommodation would soon 
take place with France, alter eigljt }ears service 



280 THE UFE OF 

in the high office of president, at the eomnnenee- 
ment of which period he Jfound the United States 
in a miserable state of depression, and at its con- 
cUision, left them advancing with gigantic steps 
in agriculture, commerce, wealth, credit, and rep- 
utation, and being in the sixty sixth year of his 
age; he announced his intention of declining a re- 
election, in full time for the people to make up 
their mind in the choice of his successor. This 
was done in an address to the people of the Unit- 
ed States in the following words ; 

" Friends and Fello-.ucitizens, 

" The period for a new election of a citizen to- 
administer the executive government of the Unit- 
ed States being not far distant, and the time ac- 
tually arrived when your thoughts must be em- 
ployed in designating the person who is to be 
clothed with that important trust, it appears to me 
proper, especially as it may conduce to a more 
distinct expression of the public voice, that I should 
now apprize you of the resolution I have formed, 
to decline being considered among the number of 
those out of whom ihe choice is to be made. 

" I beg you at the same ti;ne to do me the jus- 
tice to be assured, that tiiis resolution has not been 
taken, without a strict regard to all the considera- 
tions appertaiijing to the relation which binds a 
dutiful citizen to his country ; and that in with- 
drawing the tender ol service, which silence in my 
situation might imply, I am influenced by no dim- 
inution of zeal for your future interest ; no defi- 
ciency of grateful respect for your past kindness ; 



GEORGE WASHINGTON-. 281 

but am supported by a full conviction, that the 
step is compatible with both. 

'* The acceptance of, and continuance hitherto 
in, the ofiice to which your suffrages have twice 
called me, liave been an uniform sacrifice of incli- 
nation to the opinion of duty, and to a deference 
for Vv Ikit appeared to be your desire. I constantly 
hoj^ed that it would have been much earlier in my 
power, consistently with motives which I was not 
at liberty to disregard, to return to that retirement 
from which I had been reluctantly drawn. The 
strengdi of my incliiialion to do this, previous to 
the last election, liad even led to the preparation of 
an address to declare it to you' ; but mature re- 
flection on the then perplexed and critical posture 
of our affairs with foreign nations, and the unani- 
mous advice of persons entitled to my confidence, 
impelled me to abandon the idcip 

" I rejoice that the state ^^ your concerns, ex- 
ternal as well as internal, no long-r renders the 
pursuit of inclination incompatible vvith the senti- 
ment of duly or propriety ; and am persuaded 
whatever partiality may be retained for my servi- 
ces, that in the present circumstances of our coun- 
try, you will not disapprove of my determination 
to retire. • 

" The impressions with which I first undertook 
the arduous trust, were explained on the proi)er 
occasion. In the discharge of this trust I will on- 
ly say, that 1 have, with good intentions, contrib-- 
uted toward the organization and adm nistration 
of the governnient, the best exertionb of whi< h a 
very fallible judgtneut was caoubie. Not uncon- 
'25* 



282 



THK LIFK OF 



scious, in the outset, of the inferiority of my qual- 
ifications, experience in my own eyes, perhaps 
still more in the eyes of others, has strengthened 
the motives to diffidence of myself; and every day 
the increasing weight of years admonishes me 
more and more, that the shade of retirement is as 
necessary to me as it will be welcome. Siitisfied 
that if any circumstances have given peculiar val- 
ue to ray services, they were temporary, I have 
the consolation to believe, that while choice and 
prudence invite me to quit the political scene, pat- 
riotism does not forbid it. 

" In looking forward to the moment which is 
to terminate tlie career of my political life, my 
feelings do not permit me to suspend the deep ac- 
kno^\ledgment of that debt of gratitude which I 
owe to my beloved coutitry, for the many honours 
it has conferred i^oon me ; still more for the stead- 
fast confidence ^nth"%vhicll it has supported me ; 
and for the opportunitfes I have thence enjoyed of 
manifesting my inviolable attachment, by services 
faithful and persevenrsg, though in usefulness un- 
equal to my zeal. If benefits have resulted to our 
country fion\ these services, kt it always be re- 
membered to your praise, and as an instructive 
example in our annals^ that under circumstances 
in which the passions, iigitatcd in every direction, 
were liable to mislead ; amidst appearances some- 
tin.cs dubious ; vicissitudes of fortune often diS- 
couragmg ; in situations m which not unfrequent- 
ly want of success has countenanced the spirit of 
cr t c sm ; the constancy of your support was the 
essent al prop of the efforts and a guarantee of the 
plans by which they were eflected. Profoundly 



GEOIIGK WASHINGTON. 



s83 



penetrated with this idea, I shall carn^ it with me 
to my grave, as a strong incitement to unceasing 
wishes, that heaven may contmne to you the choic- 
est tokens of its beneficence ; that your union and 
brotherly afiection may be perpetual ; that the free 
constitution, which is the work of your hands, may 
be sacredly maintained ; tliat its administration in 
every department may be stamped with wisdom 
and virtue ; that, in fine, the happiness of the peo- 
ple of these states, under the auspices of liberty^ 
may be made complete, by so careful a preserva- 
tion and so prudent a use of this blessing, as will 
acquire to diem the glory of recommending it to 
the applause, the afiection, and the adoption, of ev- 
ery nation which is yet a stranger to it. 

" Here, perhaps, I ought to stop. But a solic- 
itude for your welfare, which cannot end but with 
my life, and the apprehension of danger natural to 
that solicitude, urge me, on an occasion like the 
present, to ofier to your solemn contemplation, 
and to recommend to your frequent review, some 
sentiments, which are the result of much reflection, 
of no inconsiderable observation, and winch ap- 
pear to me §.\[ important to the permanency of 
your felicity as a people. These will be ottered 
to you vvidi the more freedom, as you can only 
see in them the disinterested warningsof a parting 
friend, who can possibly have no personal motive 
to bias his counsel. Nor can I forget, as an en- 
couragement to it, your indulgent reception of 
my sentiments on a former and not dissimilar oc- 
casion. 

" Interwoven as is the love of liberty with ev- 
ery ligament of your hearts, no recommendaiion 



284 THE LIFIi OF 

of mine is necessary to fortify or confii-m the at- 
tacliiiK'iU. 

" The unity of government, which constitutes 
you one people, is also now dear to you. It is 
justly so ; for it is a main pillar in the edifice of 
your real independence ; the support of your tran- 
quillity at home ; your peace abroad ; of your safe- 
ty, of your prosperity ; of that very liberty which 
you so higlily prize. But as it is easy to foresee, 
that from ditlcrent causes and from different quar- 
ters, mucli pains will be taken, many artifices em- 
ployed, to weaken in your minds the conviction 
of this truth ; as this is the point in your political 
fortress against which the batteries of iiiternal and 
external enemies will be most constantly and ac- 
tively, though often covertly and insidiously, di- 
rected, it is of inlinite moment, that you should 
properly estimate the immense value of your na- 
tional union, to your collective and individual 
happiness ; that you should cherish a cordial, ha- 
bitual, and innnoveable attachment to it ; accus- 
toming \ ourselves to think and speak of it as of 
the palladium of your- political safety and pros- 
perity ; watchiiig for its pi eservatio!* with jealous 
anxiety ; discountenancing whatever may suggest 
even a suspicion that it can in any event be aban- 
doned ; and indignantly frowning upon the first 
dasvning of every attempt to alienate any portion 
of our countcy from the rest, or to enfeel)le the 
sacred ties which now link together the various 
parts. 

" For this you have every inducement of sym- 
pathy and interest. Ciiizc iis by biilii or choice 
of a common country, that country has a right to 



/ 

CE(jKCL WASHINGTON. 285 

concentrate your affections. The name of Amer- 
ican, which belongs to you in your national ca- 
pacity, must alwa} s exalt the just pride of patriot- 
ism," more tlian any appellation derived from local 
discriminations, \Viih slii^ht shades of difference, 
you have the same religion, manners, habits, and 
political principles. You have in a common cause 
fought and triumphed together; the independence 
and liberty you possess, are the work of joint coun- 
cils, and joint efforts ; of commoir dangers, suffer- 
ings, and successes. 

" But these considerations, however powerfully 
they address themselves to your sensibility, are 
greatly outweighed by those which apply more 
immediately to your interest. Here every portion 
of our country finds the most commanding mo- 
tives for carefully guarding and preserving the un- 
ion of the whole. 

" The north, in an unrestrained intercourse with 
the south, protected by the equal laws of a com- 
mon government, finds in the productions of the 
latter, great additional resources of maritime and 
commercial enterprise, and precious materials of 
manufacturing industry.. The south in tiie same 
intercourse, benefiting by the agency of the northy 
sees its agriculture grcnv and its commerce expi-.nd^ 
Turning partly into its own channels the 5/ amen 
of the north, it finds its parti'-ular navigation in- 
vigorated ; and while it contributes, in different 
ways, to nourish aiid increase the general mass of 
the national navigation, it looks forward to the pro- 
tection of a maritime strength, to whicli i'.sclf is 
vihequaliy adapted. The tcist, in like intercourse 
with the xvest^ already finds, and in the progress^ 



286 - r[jR LUE OF 

ive improvement of interior communications, by 
land suid water, will more and more find a valua- 
ble vent for the commodities which it brings from 
abroad, or manufactures at home. The west de- 
rives from the east supphes requisite to its growth 
and comibrt ; and what is perhaps of still greater 
consequence, it must of necessit} owe the secure 
enjoyment of indispensable outlets for- its own 
productions, to the weight, influence, and the fu- 
ture maritime strength of the Adantic side of the 
union, directed by an indissoluble community of 
interest as one nation. Any other tenure by winch 
the xvest can hold this essentiiil advantage, wheth-' 
er derived from its own separate strength, or 
from an apostate and unnatural comiexion with 
any foreign power, must be intrinsically precari- 
ous. 

"While then every part of our country thus 
feels an immediate and particular interest in union, 
all the parts combined cannot foil to find in the 
united mass of means and CiTorts, greater strength, 
greater resource, proportidnably greater security 
from external danger, a less frequent interruption 
of their i-eace by foreign nations ; and, what is of 
inestimable value, they must derive from union 
an exemption from those broils and v.-ars between 
themselves winch so frequently ufiiict neighbour- 
ing countries, not tied together by the same gov- 
ermnent ; which their own rivalsiiips alone would 
be suilicient to produee ; but whlcii oj^posite for- 
eign alliances, attachments, and intrigues, would 
stimulate and embitter. Hence likewise they will 
a\ Old the necessity of those overgrown military 
esiabiisiuiients, which, under any form of govern- 



GEOTIGE WASIIIXGTON. 287 

ment, are inauspicious to liberty, and wluch are 
to be rcgiirdcd its particularly hostile to republican 
liberty. In this sense it is, that your union ought 
to be considered as a ma'n prop of your liberty, 
and that the love of the one ought to endear to you 
the preservation of the other. 

*' These considerations speak a persuasive lan- 
guac^e to every rejecting and virtuous mind, and 
exhibit the continuance oi" the union as a primary 
object of patriotic des.re. Is there a doubt wheth- 
er a common government can embrace so large a 
sphere ? Let experience solve it. To listen to 
mere speculation in such a case vv^ere criminal. 
Wc are authorized to hope that a proper organi- 
zat-on of the whole, with the auxiliary agency of 
governments for the respective subdivisions, will 
afford a happy issue to the experiment. It is well 
worth a fair and full experiment. With such, pow- 
erful and obvious mot.ves to union, affecting all 
pans of our country, while experience shall not 
have demonstrated its impracticability, ||iere w.ll 
always be reason to distrust the patriotism 6i iliose 
U'ho, in any quarter, may endeavour to weaken 
its bands. 

" In contemplating the causes which may dis- 
turb our union, it occurs as matter of serious con- 
cern, that any ground should have been furnished 
for characterizing parties by geogiaphical discrim- 
inations ; northcin and southtrn ; Atlantic and 
ivestern ; whence designing men may endeavour 
to excite a belief that there is a real difference of 
local interests and views. One of the expedients 
of party to acquire influence, withm particL;lar dis- 
tricts, is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of 



^oii THE LIFE OF 

othcr districts. You cannot sliield yourselves too 
much against the jealous.es and heartburnings 
which sprang from these misrepresentations ; tliey 
tend to render alien to each other, those who ought 
to he l)ound together by fraternal aftection. The 
inhabitants of our western country have lately had 
a useful lesson on this head. The\ have seen, in 
the negotiat.on by the executive, and in the unan- 
imous ratification by the senate, of the treaty with 
Spain, and in tlie universal satisfaction at that event 
throughout the United States, a decisive proof 
how unfounded were the suspicions propagated 
among them of a policy in the general goveriuuent, 
and jn the Atlantic states, unfriendly to their in- 
terests m regard to tlie Missisippi. They have 
been vvitnesses to the formation of two treaties, 
that with Great Britain and that with Spain, which 
secure to thcin every thing they could dcsi)e, in 
respect to our foreign relations, toward confirm- 
ing tlieir prosperity. Will it not be their wisdom 
to rely ^r the preservation of these advantages on 
the union bv which they were procured ? Will 
they not henceforth be deaf t* • those advisers, if 
such there are, who would sever them from their 
brethren, and connect them with aliens '? 

" To the efficacy and permanency of your un- 
ion, a government for the whole is indispensable. 
No alliances, however stnct, between the parts 
can be an adecjuate substitute ; they must inevita- 
bly experience die infractions and interruptions 
which all alliances in all times have experienced. 
Sensible of this momentous truth you have im- 
prowd upon your first essa} , by tlie adoption of a 
constitution of government, better calculated than 



OKCRGK WASIIINXTON. '2<i9 

your former, for an intlmiitc union, and for the ef- 
fic.iciou.s mu.iagement of your common concerns. 
Tills govcniMient, the offspring of our own choice, 
uninfiu'jnced and unawed ; adopted upon full in- 
vestigation a»id mature deUberation ; completely 
free in *tb principles ; in ihed^striljution of its pow- 
ers uniting security with energy, and containing 
w thiu itself a provision for its own amendments, 
has a just claim to your confidence and your sup- 
poit. R..spect for its authority, compliance with 
its laws,- acquiescence in its measures, are duties 
enjoined b\ the fundanrjntal maxims of true lib- 
erty. Tlie basis of our poliiical systems is the 
right of the people to make and to alter their con- 
stitutions ol government. But the constitution 
vvhi(;!i at any timt,- exists, until changed by an ex- 
plieit^and authentic act of the whole people, is sac- 
redl}' obiigat.oiy upon all. The very idea of the 
power and the right of the people to establish a 
government, presupposes the duty of every indi- 
vidual to obey the established government. 

"Ail ob^,t^uclions to the execution of the laws, 
all eombinaiions and associations, under whatever 
plausil)le character, with the real design to direct, 
control, counteract, or awe the rcgui<ir delibera- 
tions and aetion of the constituted authoriucs, are 
destructive of this fundament^il principle, and of 
fiitiil te'idency. They serve to organize iaction ; 
to give it an artificial and extraordinary force ; to 
put in the place of the delegated will of the na- 
tion, the will of a party, often a smiiU, but artful 
and enterprising minoruy of the community ; and 
ace<)iding to the alternate triumphs of differeirt 
S6 



290 THE LIFE OF 

parties, to make the public administration the 
mirror Of the ill concerted and incongnioiis proj- 
ects of faction, rather than the organ of consistent 
and wholesonK plans, dii^ested by common coun- 
cils, and niodiii'.d by mutual interests. 

" However combinations or associations of the 
above description may now and then answer J^op- 
iilar ends, they are likely, in the course of time 
and thin,^s, to become potent engines, by which 
cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men, will 
be enabled to subvert tlie power of the people, 
and to usurp for themselves the reins of ,^overn- 
ment ; destroying afterward the veiy engines 
which have lifted them- to unjust dominion. 

*' Toward the preservation of your govern- 
ment, and the permanency of your present happy- 
state, it is requisite not only that you steadjl^^ dis- 
countenance irregular oppositions to its acknowl- 
edged authority, bht also that you resist with care 
the spirit of innovation upon its principles, how- 
ever specious the pretexts. One method of as- 
sault luay be to eilect in the forms of the consti- 
tution alterations which will inipiiir the energy of 
the svstem, and thus to undermine what cannot 
be duTCtly overthrown. In all the changes to 
which you may be invited, remember that time 
and habit are at least as necessary to fix the true 
character pf governments, as of other human in- 
stitutions ; that experience is the surest standard, 
by which to test the real tendency of the existing 
constitution of a countiy ; that facility in changes 
upon the credit of mere hypothesis and opinion, 
exposes to perpetual change from the endless va- 



GEORCJC WASI1IN-GT0N-. 



2fi 



rjcty of hypothesis and opinion ; and remember, 
especially, that for the efficient management of 
your common interests, in a country so extensive 
US oars, a j^overnment of as much vigour as is con- 
sistent with ihe perfect security of liberty, is in- 
dispensable. Liberty itself vvill fuid in such a 
government, with powers properly distributed and 
adjui,ted, its surest guardian. It is, indeed, little 
else than a name, wliere the government is too 
feeble to withstand t!ie enterprises of faction, to 
confine each member of the society within the 
limits prescribed by the laws, and to maintain alt 
in the secure and tranjuil ei.joyment of the rights 
of pe. oon and property. 

" I have already intimated to you the dangec 
of parties in the state, with particular references 
to tile founding of them on geographical discrim- 
inations. Let me now take a more comprchen* 
sive view, and warn you in the most solemn man- 
ner against the baneful effects of the spirit of 
pai'ty, generall}\ 

" This si:>irit, unfortunately, is inseparable from 
our nature, having its loot in the strongest pas- 
sions of the human mir.d. It exists under differ- 
ent shipes in all governments, more or less stiiiedj 
controlled, or repressed ; but in those of the pop- 
ular form, it is seen in its greatest rankness, and is 
truly their worst enemy. 

*• The alternate domiaati- i of one faction over 
another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, nat- 
ural to party dissension, which in different ages 
and countries has jx-rpetrated the most hornd 
cnormilies, is itself a frightful despotism. But 
this leads at Icngih to a more formal and perma^ 



292 



Dent despotism. Tl^.e disorders and mibcries 
which result, gradually incline the minds of men 
to seek security and repose in the absolute power 
of an individual ; and sooner or later the chief of 
some prevailing faction, more able or more fortu- 
Hate than his competitors, turns this disposition to 
the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of 
pui)lic liberty. 

" WiUiout locking forward to an extremity of 
^"lis kind, v/hich nevertheless ought not to be en- 
tirely out of sight, the common and continual mis- 
chiefs of the spirit of party, are sufficient to make 
it the interest and duty of a w ise people to discour- 
age and restaiin it. 

" It serves always to distract the public coun- 
cils, and ejifeeble the public administration. It 
agitates the commui^.ity with ill founded jealousies 
and false alarms ; kindles the animosity of one 
part against another ; foments occasional riot aicd 
insun-ection. It opens the door to foreign influ- 
ence and corruption, which find a facilitated access 
to the government itself, tlirough the channels of 
party passions. Thus the policy and the will of 
one country, 'are su!>jected to the policy and will 
of another. 

" There is an opinion that parlies in free coun- 
tries are useful cliecks upon the administration of 
the government, and serve to keep alive the spirit 
of liberty. Thii^^, within certain limits, is proba- 
bly true ; and in governments of a monarcl.ical 
cast, patriotisn'i ma}' look witlrindLslp^cnce, if not 
witli favour, upon the spirit of party. But in those 
of the popular ehiiracler, in governments purely 
elective, it is a sjnrit not to be encouraged, l^rom 



GEORHE W\SIiiXr;TON'. 293 

their natural tendency, it h certain there will al- 
ways i)e cnoufrh of that spirit for every sahitary 
purpose. Ai id there behvjr constant daiif^er of ex- 
cess, tlie elTort ought to be, by force of public opin- 
ion, to mitigate and assuage it, *A fire not to be 
quenched, it donands a uniform vigilance to pre- 
vent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of warm- 
ing, it should consume. 

' It is important, likewise, tliat the habits of 
thinking, in a free country, should inspire caution 
in those intrusted wiih its administration, to con- 
fine themselves within their respective constitu- 
tional spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the pow- 
ers of one department to encroach upon another. 
The spirit of encro.ichujent tends to consohd.ite 
the powers of all the departments in one, and thus 
to create, whatever the form of government, a real 
despotism. A just estimate of that love of pow- 
er, and proneness to abuse it, vvh.ch predominate 
in the human heart, is sufficient to satisfy us of 
the truth of this position. The necessity of recip- 
rocal checks in the exercise of political jjower, by 
dividing and d stributing it into diflereni dcj)osi- 
tories, and constituting each the gu irrlian of the 
pu;;hc weal agiinst invasions of the others, has 
been evinced by experiments ancient and modern ; 
some of ihe(n in oiu" country and imder our own 
eyes. To preserve the.n must be as necessary as 
to institute^ them. If, in the opinion of the peo- 
ple, the distribution or modilic ition of tile consti- 
tutional powers, be in any particular wrong, U-t it 
be corrected by an amendment in the way which 
the coiistiinrion designates. But let there b- no- 
thange by usurpation ; for tliough this, in one iii.^- 
26-* 



294 



1 iJ.S LTFI-l 01' 



Stance, liuiy l)e the instrument of good, It la the 
custosnary weapon by which Tree g'overnuients are 
destroyed. The precedent must always greatly 
overbalance in permanent e\il, r.ny partial or 
transient benefit which the use can at any lime 
yield. 

" Of all the dispositions and habits which lead 
to political prosperity, religion and morality are 
iiidi-spcnsabie supports, in vain would that man 
claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labour 
to subvert tliese great pillars of human happiness; 
these firmest props of the duties of men and citi- 
zens. The mere politician, equally with the pi- 
ous man, ought to respect and to cherish them. 
A volume could not trace all their connexions 
with private and public felicity. Let it simply be 
asked, where is the securiiy for property, for rep- 
utation, for life, if the sense of religious ohlii^-atioii 
desert the oaths, which are the instruments of in- 
A'estigation in courts of justiee ? And let us with 
caution indulge the suj)posjtion, that morality can 
be maiiuained without religion. Whatever may 
be conceded to the inrmence of refined education 
on ir.inds of peculiar structure, reason and expe- 
rience both forbid us to expect that national mo- 
rality can prevail in exclusion of religious princi- 
ples. 

*' It is substantially true, that virtue or morali- 
ty is a necessar,- spriiig of popular government. 
ihe rule indeed extends with more or less force 
to ever\- species of free government. Who tliat 
is a sincere -frier.d to it can look with indifference 
Bpon attempts to shake the foundation of the fab- 
ric ? 



GKOUGE WA.SHI\fiiON. 295 

'' Promote, then, as an object of primary im- 
])ortaPiCt.\ instil iitioi lb for tlit- i^tncjiil difi'usion of 
knowledge. In j)roportion as the structure of a 
govcniment gives force to public opinion, it is 
essential that public opinion should be enlight- 
ened. 

" As a very important source of strength and 
security, cherish pubhc credit. Oiie method of 
preserving it is to use it as sparingly as possible, 
avoiding occasions of expense bycultivatmg peace; 
but remembering also, that timely disijursernents 
to |)repiire for danger, frequently prevent .much 
greater disbursements to rtpel it ; a^■oidulg like- 
wise the accumulation of deijt, not only b\ shun- 
ning occasions of expense, but by vigorous exer- 
tions in time of peace, to discharge the d( bts 
which unavoidable wars may have occasioned, not 
ungenerously throwing u]ion posterity the burden 
which we ourselves ought to bear. The execu- 
tion of these maxims belojigs to your representa- 
tives ; l)ut it is necessary that public opinion 
should co-operate. I'o facilitate to them the per- 
formance of their duty, it is essential that you 
should practically bear in mind, that toward the 
payment of debts there must be revenue ; tjrat to 
have revenue there must be taxes ; that no taxes 
can be devised which are not more or less incon- 
venient and unpleasant ; that the intrinsic embar- 
rassment insepiu-able from the selection of tliv r;! op- 
er objects, which is always a choiceof diiTi uiiies, 
oui';ht to be a decisive motive for a candid con- 
struction of the conduct oi the government m mak- 
ing it, and l^or a spirit ol acquiescence in the meas- 
ures for obtaining revenue which the public exi- 
gencies may at any time dictate. 



29& 



THE LTFF- OF 



" Observe .sjood faith imd justice toward all na- 
tions ; cultivate peace and harmony vvitli all ; re- 
ligion and morality enjoin this conduct ; and can 
it be that good policy does not equally enjoin it ? 
It will be worthy of a free, enlightened,, and, at no 
distant period, a great nation, to give to mankind 
the miignanimous and too novel example of a peo- 
ple always guided by an exalted justice and be- 
nevolence. Who can doubt that in the coin^se of 
time and tilings the fruits of such a plan would 
richly repay any temporary advantages which 
iiiight. be lost by a steady adherence to it ? Can 
it be, that Providence has not connected the per- 
manent felicity of a na'rion with its virtue ? 'Jlie 
experiment, at least, is recommended by every 
sentiment which ennobles human nature. Alas !. 
is it rendered impossible by its vi'-es ? 

" In the execution of such a plan, nothing is 
more essential than that permanent inveterate an- 
tipathies against particular nations, and passionate 
attachments for others, should be excluded ; and 
that in phice of them, just and amicable feelings 
toward all should be cultivated. The nation 
which induli^es toward another an habitual hatred, 
or an habitual fondness, is m some degree a slave. 
It is a slave to its animosity or to its affection, 
either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from 
its duty and its interest. Antipathy in one na-, 
tion against another, disposes each more readily 
to offt r insult and injury, to lay hold of slight 
causes of umbra;^e, and lo be haughty and intrac- 
tuble, whtii accidental or trifling occasions of dis- 
pute occur. 

•' Hence frequent collisions, obstinate, envenom- 



GEOUCIE WASIILNC.TON. 297 

cd and bloocly contests. The nation, prompted 
by ill will and resentment, sometimes impels to 
war the [government, contrary to the best calcula- 
tions of policy. The government sometimes par- 
ticipates in the national propensity, and adopts 
through passion, what reason would reject; at oth- 
er times, it makes the animosit}^ of the nation sub- 
servient to projects of hostility instigated by pride, 
ambition, and other sinister and pernicious mo- 
tives. The peace often, sometimes perhaps the 
liberty of nations, has been tlie victim. 

" So, likewise, a passionate attachment of one 
nation for another, produces a variety of evils. 
Svm])athy for the favourite nation, facilitating the 
illusion of an imaginary common interest in cases 
where no real common interest exists, and infix- 
ing into one the enmities of the other, betrays the 
former into a participation in the quarrels and wars 
of fhe latter, without adequate i;iducements or jus- 
tification. It leads also to concessions to the fa- 
vourite nation, of privileges denied to others, wh-ch 
are apt doubly to injure the nation making the 
concessions, by unnecessarily parting with what 
ought to have been retained ; and by excitmg jeal- 
ousy, ill w.ll, and a d.sposition to retaliate, m the 
parties from whom equal pr.vileges ar<- withlield ; 
and It gives to ambit ous, corrupted, or deluded 
citizens, who devote themselves to the favourite 
nation, fac.lity to betray, or sacrifice the interests 
of their own country, Without odium, r^oniet-mes 
even vv,th popuk.tity ; g Id'ug with the appearan- 
ces of a V rtuous sense of oIjI gationa commenda- 
ble deference for public opinion, or a laudable zeal 



2?)8 THE 1>IFE OF 

for public good, the base or foolish compliances 
of aniI)t'on, corruption, or infatuation. 

" As avenues to foreign irifluence In innumera- 
ble \vays, such attachments are particularly alarm- 
ing- to the truly enlightened and independent pat- 
riot. How many opportunities do they aflbrd to 
tamper with domestic factions, to practise the arts 
of seduct on, to mislead public opsn'on, to influ- 
ence or awe the pubhc counc Is ! Such an attach- 
ment of a small or weak, toward a i^reat and pow- 
erful nation, dooms the former to be the satellite 
of the latter. Against the instcLous wjles of for- 
e'gn mlluence, I conjure you to belseve me, fcllow- 
eit -zens, the jealousy of a free people ought to be 
con.stantly awcike ; since history and experience 
p^)ve that foreign influence is one of tiie most 
bantfiil foes of republican government. But that 
jealousy, to be useful, must be impartial ; else it 
becomes the instrument of the very influence to 
be avoided, instead of a defence against it. Ex- 
cessive partiality for one foreign nation, nnd ex- 
cessive dislike of another, cause those whom ihey 
actuate to see danger only on one side, and serve, 
to veil and even second the artb of influence on 
the other. Real patriots, who may resist the in- 
trigues of the favourite, are liable to btcome ..us- 
pected and odious ; while its tools and dupes usurp 
the applause and confidence of the people, to sur- 
rcnd^r iheir interests. 

"■ The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to 
foreign nations, is, in extendirig our commercial 
relaiions, to have with them as little political con- 
nexion as possible. So fiir as v/e have ab'eady 



GKOilGE W.VSIIIXGTON. 



299 



formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with per- 
fect good faith. Here let us stop. 

" Europe has a set of primary interests, which 
to us huye none, or a very remote, relation. Hence 
she must be engaged in frequent controversies, 
the causes of whieh are essentially foreign to our 
concerns, iienee, therefore, it must be unwise in 
us to implicate ourselves by artificial tics, in the 
ordinary vicissitudes of her politics, or the ordina- 
ry combinations and collisions of her friendbiiips 
or enmiiies. 

" Our detached and distant situation, invites 
and enables us to pursue a different course. If 
we remain one people, under an eiBcient govern- 
ment, the period is not far off, when we may defy 
material injury from external annoyance ; when 
we may tiike such an attitude as will cause the 
nei'.trality we may at any time resolve upon, to 
be scrupulously respected ; when belligejent na- 
lix)!is, under the impossibility of nuiking acquisi- 
tions upon us, will not hgliily hczarcl the giving 
us provocauon ; when we may choose peace or 
war, as our interest, gmdedbv justicCj shall coun- 
sel 

" Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a 
situation ? Why quit our own to stand upon for- 
eign ground ? W^hy, by interweaving our destiny 
^\lth that of any part of Europe, cntarigle our 
peace and prosperity in the toils of European am- 
bition, rivalship, interest, humour, or caprice ? 

" It Is our true policy to steer clear of perma- 
nent alliances with any portion of the foreii;n 
world ; so far, I mean, as we are now at liberty to 
do it ; for let me not be under.'stood as capable of 



300 TllK TJFE OF 

patronizing infidelity to exisrinjj engafi^emcnts. I 
hold the maxim no less appli ^ible to public t!iaa 
to private affiiirs, that honcstu is always tUt best 
policy. I repeat it, therefore, let tho^e jengage- 
ments be observed in their genuine sense. But 
in my opinion, it is unnecessary, and would be un- 
wise, to extend them. 

" Talcing care always to keep ourselves, by 
suitable estal^lishments, on a respectable defensive 
posture, we may safely trust to teniporary allian- 
ces for extraordinary emergencies. 

*' Harmony, and a liberal intercourse with all 
nations, are recommended by policy, humanity, 
and interest. But even our commercial policy 
should hold an equal and impartial hand ; neither 
seeking nor granting exclusive favours or prefer- 
ences ; consultmg the natural course of diings ; 
diffusing and diversifying by gentle means, the 
streams of commerce, bui forcing nothing ; estab- 
lish, ng, with powers so disposed; in order to give 
trade a stable course, to define the rights of our 
merchants, and to enable the government to sup- 
port them ; conventi{jnal rules of intercourse, the 
best that present circu distances and mutual opin- 
ion will permit, but temporary, and liable to be 
from time to time abandoned or varied, as experi- 
ence and circumstances shall dictate ; constantly, 
keeping in view, that it is folly in one nation to 
locjR for disinterested favours from another ; that 
it must pay with a portion of its independence for 
whatever it may accept under that character; that 
by such acceptance, it may place itself in the con- 
dition of having given equivalents for nonnnal fa- 
vours, and yet of being reproached with ingrati* 



tiKOROE WASIIIXGTON. 301 

lui-lc for not t^lving more. There can be no great- 
er c-.-or than to expect or calculate upon real fa- 
voiirslrom nadoa to nation. It i-i an illusion which 
ex^'criencc must cure, which a ja:^t pride ought 
to discard. 

" in offering to you, my countrymen, thes<* 
counsels of an old and affectionate t'rtcnd, I dare 
not hoi)e they will make the strong and lasting im.- 
prcbsion I could \vi.^h ; that they will control the 
usual current of the passions, or prevent our na- 
tion from running the course which has hitherto 
marked the de^iiny of nations. Dut if I may ev- 
en flatter mystli, that they may be productive of 
some partial benefit, some occasional good ; that 
they may now and then recur to moderate thr fury 
of parry spirit; to warn against the mischiefs of 
foreign intrigue ; to guai'd against the impostures 
of [jretcnded patriotism ; this hope will l)e a full 
recompense lor the solicitude for your welfare, by 
which they li^vc been dioUited. 

" How iitr, in the discharge of my official du- 
ties, 1 have been guided by the [)rincipies which 
have been delineated, tke public lecordsand other 
evidences ot my conduct must witness to you and 
to the world. To myself, the assurance of my 
own conscience is, tViat I have at least believed my- 
self lo be guided by them. 

'' In rel.itioii to the still subsisting war in Eu- 
{ rope, my proclamation of the 2.^d. of April, 1793, 
is th^? index to. my plan. Sanctioned by your ap- 
pr»;v;ng voice, and Ijy that of your represejjiativei 
I in ■.j:j'\, house':) oi Co. 'u^iess, the spirit of tnai mcas- 
t ure !n;, continually govMnrdmc, uninfluenced br 
i' anj attempts to deter or divert ine from it; 



302 THE LIFE OF 

" After cleliherate examination, with the aid of 
tht I,, b' liii^nis I coiiid obtciiii, 1 was well Siitisficd 
tliai («UT couiis. y, under all the circumstances of 
the ca^-e, huCi a n}i:ht to take, and vvus bound in du- 
t} and nuercbi lo tiike, a neutral position. Having 
taken it, 1 determined, as far as sliould depend up- 
or. me, '</ maintain it with moderation, persever- 
ance, and firmness. 

" The cor.sidtrations which respect the richt to 
kold this coiiduct, ii is not necessary on this occa- 
S!',.»n to detail. I will oul) observe, that according 
to niv understandii:g of the matter, that ri^dit, so 
far from beirig dtiiied by any of the belligerent 
powt rs, has been virtuallv admitted by all. 

" The duty of holding a neutral coi,dnct may be 
inferred, without any thing more, from the obli- 
gation vvliich justice and humanity impose on ev- 
ery nation, in cases in Vvbich it is free to act, to 
Tnamtain i-iviolate the relations of peace and amity 
toward other nations. 

" The iiiducen>ents of interest for observing 
that cor.din-t will btJit be referred to your own re- 
flections and experience. With me, a predomi- 
nant motive has been to endeavour to g-ain time to 
our countiy to settle and mature its yet recent in- 
stiunions, c.v.d to progress, without interruption, 
to that degree of strength and consistency, which 
is necessary to give it, Im manly speaking, the com- 
mand of its own fortunes. 

** Though in revitwingihe incidents of my ad- 
ministration, I am uncoiiscious ot intentional er- 
ror ; 1 am nt verdieless too sensible of nw delects 
not lo linnk it probable ihat I may have eomnjit- 
ted many errors. Whatever diey may be, I fer- 



eEOKGE washint;tox. 



303 



vently beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigatG 
the cviib to which they may tend. I shall also 
carry with me the hope that my country will never 
cease to view them with indulgence ; and that af- 
ter fortv live years of my life dedicated to its ser- 
vice, with an upright zeal, the faults of incompe- 
tent abilities will be co^vsigned to oblivion, as my- 
selPniust soon be to tJie mansions of rest. 

" Relying on its kindness in this as in other 
things, and actuated by that fervent love toward it, 
which is so natural to a man who viev/s in it the 
native soil of himself and his progenitors for sev- 
eral generations ; I anticipate uath pleasing expec- 
tation that retreat, in which I promise myself td 
realize, without alloy, the sweet eiijoyment of par- 
taking, in the niidst of my fellorwcitizens, the be- 
nign influence of good laws uTider a free govern- 
ment ; the ever favourite object of my heart, and 
the happy reward, as I tmst, of our mutual cares, 
labours, and dangers. 

" United Statfs, Sept. 17, 179&.'* 

This valedictory address of the fiither of his 
country, was received in every part of the imiou 
with the most unbounded veneration, and record- 
ed with the most pointed respect. Shortly after, 
the president, for the last time, met the national 
legislature in the senate chamber. His address on 
tlie occasion was highly dignified. He congratu- 
lated Congress on the internal situation of the 
United States ; on the progress which had been 
made for preserYing peace with the Indians, imd 
melioratitig their concliiion ; and, afier-Stating the 
measures which h:id been adopted in execution of 
the treaties with Britain, SpLun, and Algiers, and 



304^ 



THE LIFE OF 



the negotiations which were pendinjy with Tunis 
and Trip®!!, he observed ; " To an active exter- 
nal commerce, tlie protection of a naval force is in- 
dispensable. I'liis is nianifvst uiih regaid to wars 
in which a state is itself a party. Eut beside tliis, 
it is in our own experience, that the most sincere 
neutrahty is not a snfiicient guard agr.inst the dep- 
redations of nations, at war. To secure re3]iect to 
a neutral flag requires a naval force, organized 
and ready to vindicate it from insult or agj^ession. 
Tiiis may even prevent the necessity of going to 
war, by divcom i.ging belligerent po^^ ers from com- 
mitting such vioIaLo'jjs of the rights of the neutral 
party, as may fnst or last leav-.- \a) otV-rr option. 
Fi'oin the best inibrniatifcn I have Ix-.n ■ ble to ob- 
taii-, it would seem cis if our trade to the Mediter- 
ranean, ^\ iihout a protecting force, will always be 
insecure, and our citizens exposed to the calami- 
ties from which numbers of them have but just 
been relieved. 

" These considerations invite the United States 
to look to die meiuis, and to set about the gradu- 
al creation of a navy. 'I'he increasing progress of 
their navigation, promises them at no distant peri- 
od, the requisite supply of seamen, and their means 
in other- respects, favour the undertaking. It is 
an encouiT.gemer-t likewise, that their particular 
situation will give weight and influence to a mod- 
erate naval force in their hands. Will it not then 
be adviseabie to begin without delay, to provide 
and lay up the materials for the building and equip- 
ping of ships of war, and to proceed in the work 
by degrees, in proportion as our resources shall 
render it practicable, without inconvenience ; so 



GEOTIGR WASHINGTON. 305 

that a future war of Europe may not find our com- 
mt rre l;i the same unprotected state in which it 
wh:^ found by the present ?" 

H then recomniended the establishment of na- 
tion;.! works for maiuitaciunn?^ implements of de- 
fe'^.cf ; of an institution for the improvenuTjt of 
agriculture; and poniied out the advantages of a 
mihtar}'- academy; of a national univt-rsity ; and 
the necessity of augmenting the salaries of ilie of- 
ficers of the United States, 

In respect to the disputts vvith France, he ob- 
served : " ^*'v'i-!» \n our external relations some 
seriou . ci'ces and eaibarrassments have 

been ov ].<;•;:, and others lessened, it is with 
much pain and deep regret 1 mention, that cir- 
cumstances of a very uavwlcoiue nature Iiavc late- 
ly occurred. Our tr:ide has su Hired, and is suf- 
fenrig, extensive injuries in the West Indies, IVom 
the cruisers and agents of the French repul.^lic ; 
and communications have been received fro:!n its 
min-srer here, which indicate the danger of a I'ur^ 
thf.r disturbance of our commerce by its authorif v ; 
and which are in other respects far from agreea« 
ble. 

" It has been my constant, sincere, and earnest 
wish, in conformity with that of our nation, to " 
maintain cordial Iiarmony, and a perfectly friend- 
ly understanding with that republic. This wish 
remains uiiabared, and I shall persevere in the en- 
deavour to fulfil it, to the utmost extent of what 
shall be consistent with a just iuid indispensable 
regurd to the rights and honour of our country ; 
nor will I easily cease to cherish the expectation, 
that a spirit of justice, candour, and fi'iendsbio, on 
27* ' ^ 



306 THE LIFE OF 

the part of the republic, will eventually ensure suc,- 

«CSb. 

*' In pursuing this course, however,. I cannot 
fbrgct what is due to the character of our govern- 
ment and natioi!, or to a full ajid entire coniicknce, 
in the good sense, patriotii.m, sell respect, and for- 
titude of my countrymen." 

This address was concluded in the following 
pathetic terms ; 

" The situation in which I now stand for the last 
time, in the midst of the representiitivts of the peo- 
ple of the U'nitcd Siates, naturally recalls the peri- 
od when the adn)inistration of the present form of 
government con.menced ; and 1 cannot omit the 
occasion to congratulate }ou and my eountjy on 
the success of the experiment, nor to repeat my 
Ibrvent supplications to the Supreme Ruler of the 
universe, and sovereign arbiter of nations, that his 
providential care may still be extended to the Unit- 
ed States ; that the virtue and happiness oi the 
people may be presei ved ; and that the govern- 
ment which they have iiistitnttd for the protcctioa 
9f their liberties may be perpetual." 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



307 



CHAPTER Xin. 



Washiijgtoa rejoices at tLe prospect of retiring Writes to the Secre- 

tsivy of State, ilcnving the authenticity of letters saitl to be IVuni him 

%o J P. C.iiis ar.(i Lund Washington, ia 1776 Fays rcspeei to his 

sucstigiior. Ml'. John Adains Review of Wasihingtoa's administration. 

Ho retire* to Mount Vcraoii iicsumci agricultural pursuits... .Heurs 

•with rfgrct the nggressioa of llu; French repnblic. . .Corresponds on 
the «>irjeet of his taking the cornniantl of an army to oppose the 

French ... Is appointed Lieutenant Gc.ieral !Iis commission is Sent 

to him by the Secretary of War-. ..His letter to President Adams on 
the receipt thereof ....Directs the orgsuization of the proposed army. 
Th.-ee Envoys Bxtraordinury sent to Franca, who adjust all disputes 
witli iion.ip;»rte, after the averthrov/ of the Directoi-y Gen. Wash- 
ington dies Is honoured by Congress, and by the citizeus U?3 

character. 



Thv. pleasing emorions wliich are excited in ordina- 
ry men on llicir acquisition of power, wcreinreri- 
or tO those which W.-shmj^ton felt on the resigna- 
tion of It. To his uit d friend, Gen. Knox, or- ihe 
duy preceding the termination of his ofiice, he oh- 
S( vcd in a letter ; " To the weary travelier who 
set ;> a resting place, and is bendn g ins !)odv there- 
on, I now coinpare myself. Aiinougii the pros- 



308 THE LIFK OF 

pect of retirement is most s^rutefiil to my soul, and 
I hdve not a wish to »nix dj^ain i* th^- i^rcat vvo-ld, 
or to partak<' in its politics, yrt I am not without' 
regret at p.irting with, ptrliaps nevtr more to meet, 
the few iutimati-s whom I love. A.:*o!ig these be 
assured you are one." 

The numerous calnnmies of which -A'ashington 
was the subject, drew from him no public animad- 
versions, except in one case. A vohjme of let- 
ters, said to be from Gen. Washington to John 
Parke Custis and Lund Washington, were pub- 
lished by the Briush, m the year 1776, and were 
given to the public as being found in a small port- 
manteau, left jn the care of his servant, who it was 
said by the editors, had been taken prisoner in 
Fori Lee. These letters were intended to ptcKlucc 
in the public mind, impressions unfavoutuble to 
the integrity of W^ashington's motives, and to rep- 
resent his inelinations as at variance with his pro'- 
fession and duty. When the first edition of thc^sc 
spiuious letters was forgotten, they were repub- 
lished during Wrisinngton's civil administration, 
by some of his fellowcitizens who differed from 
him in politics. On the morning of the last <.\'dy 
of his presidency, he addressed a letter to the Sec- 
retary of Stale, in which, after enumerating all the 
facts and dates connected with the f(jrger\-, and 
decLuing that he hud liiiherto deemed it unneces- 
sary to take any formal notice of the iaiposition, 
he concluded as follows ; " But as I cannot know 
hov. soon a more serious event n\ay succeed to 
thot which will 'Jiis day take place, I have diought 
it a duty that lowed to myself, to my country, 



CEOllGR WASHINGTON. 30§ 

and to truth, now to detail iht cjrcunistanccsabov* 
reciit-d, and foadd my sokiua dtxlarniiou, tiiar the 
letters herein de5>cribed, arfi a base ron2;ery ; and 
tlijat I never saw or heard of them until they ap- 
pcaj-ed in print. The present letter I coininit to 
your care, and desire it may be depoj-iied in the 
oHice of the department of stiite, as a tehtiniony 
of the truili to the present generation and to pos- 
ter, ty." 

The moment now approached wine]) was to ter- 
miirate the officialcivaractcr of Washington, and 
in which tliat of his successor, John Aciatus, ^vas 
to commence. T'le old and new president wdk- 
ed in together to the Mouse of Representatives, 
where ihv o;.th of (Mcq waf, administered to the 
lattrr O ) this oce:;-.;:.;;! Mr. Adams concluded 
an impressive speech \\hl\ a handsome compli- 
ment to his predecessor, by observiiig, thr.t though 
he was about to retire, " his name nuiy still be a 
rampart, and the knowledge that he lives a biiL 
wark ag-ainst all open or secret enemies of his 
con:Ury." 

'I'he itnmense concourse of citizens who were 
present, gazed with love ai:d affection on the re- 
tiriiig Washington, while cheeriulness overspread 
liis countenajiee and joy filled his heart, on seeing 
anoth.tr invested wi.ih the high auihojiti'. s he so 
long exercised, ;;nd the way ojx^ned for hisretuni- 
ii!g lo the long wished ibr happiness of domestic 
private lift-. After paying his most jespectful 
compliments to the new presidepii, he set out for 
MouTit Veriion, the scxr.L- ol" enj^jytncnt which he 
preferred to all others. His wishes to travd pri-' 



Sl# 



'PHS LIFE OP 



Yately were in vain ; for wherever he passed, the 
gentlenicn of the country took every occasion of 
testifying their resp:*"t lor hi.n. in his retire- 
ment he continued to receive the most flattering 
addresses from leg siativc bodies, and various class- 
es of his fellovvcitizens, 

Duiiiig tiu- eig!it years ad.i»inistration of Wash- 
inj^t )fi, the Urnvcd States enjoyed prosperity and 
happii.ess at honie ; and, by the energy of the gov- 
enunent, regained amcmg ibreigner.s that inipor- 
tan^e and reputation, which, by its weakness, they 
had iost. 'i'h^ debts contracted in the revolu- 
tioinry w.-.r, whicii, from the imbecility of the old 
govv rruiu nt, h-d d^prtu iatcd to afi insignficant 
sum, uere funded; and ^A\ch ample revenues [vro- 
vided for tl)e paynicsi!: of the iiiterest ar.dthe gr.id- 
ual t-xductiou of the prmcipal, tliat their real and 
noijiaial value were in a little time nt-aj'ly tiie same. 
Tile govern ;Vient was so finnly established as to 
hv cheerfully and universally obeyed. The only 
exeepiion was an insurrection m the western coun- 
ties of Pennsylvania, which was quelled without 
bloodshed. Agriculture and commerce were ex- 
tended f.ir beyond what had ever before taken 
place. The Indians on the frontiers had been 
first comjx-iled by force to respect the United 
States, and to continue in peace ; and afcerwiu-d a 
humane systena wascomnjenced for teaching diem 
to exchange the tomahawk and hatchet for the 
plough, the hoe, the shuttle, and the spinningwheel. 
The free navigation of the Missisippi had been ac- 
quired xvith the consent of Sp.iin, and <:"11 diltcren- 
c^s compromised with that power. The military 



SEORGE WASHINGTON. 311 

posts which had been long held by Britain within 
the UiMtcd Slates, were peaceably given up. Tlic 
Mediterranean was opened to American vessels in 
coriAquence of treaties made with the Baibanr 
powers. It deed, differences with all powers, eith- 
er contiguous to or connected with the U;nted 
States, had Ixen amicably adjusted, with the ex- 
ception of France, To accompiibh this very de- 
sirable ol^j( ct, Washington made repeated advan- 
ces ; bui it could not be obtained v/ithoul surren- 
dt liiig the inde|:>endencc of the nation, and its right 
of self government. 

WasiiLigton, on returning to Mount Vernon, 
rcbunied a!.;iicultural pursuits. These, with the 
so.'ie'y of nicii and books, gave to every Ivjur in- 
nocetn and interesting einploynierit, aij<i pi.^iiused 
a serene evening of his life. Thoiign he vvi.^hed 
to withdraw no; only from public oince, but ironi 
all anxiety respecting pubhc affairs, yet he ieittoo 
much for his country to be indifierent to its inter- 
ests. He heard with regret the repeated insults 
offered by the French Directory to the United 
Stales, in the person of their n)inii.ters, and the in- 
jury done to their eoninn rce by illegal captures 
ol' iHCir vesbti.. Tluoe iiKhgnaits aiul iiijuiies, 
after u long endurance aiid a rejt ciiou e^f all advan- 
ces for an rKXoniniod.riun, at length roused the 
government, in the hands of" Ivlr. Acbms, toiidcpt 
"vigorous measures. To be in readiness to it pel 
a uiicateneti irivasion, Congi-ess authorized the for- 
mation of a regul .r army. As soon as the adop- 
tion of this measure wus probable, the eyes of all 
nere once more turned on. Washington as the 



512 THE LIFE OP 

most suitable person to be at its head. LcttCBB 
fro!n his iViencls poured in upon him, urgint^ tliat 
he should accept die command. To one from 
president Adams, in vvlVich it was observed; "We 
mu^t have your name ii )ou will in any case per- 
mit us to use it ; there wiil be raore efficacy in it, 
than ill nuasy an army." Washir.j^Lon replied a« 
follows ; *' At the epoch of .wy rearement, an in- 
vasion of the^lc sL'itt's oy any Europt an power, or 
even the probal).lity oi •^aich dw event in my days, 
Was so i.^r ffom b. m ; 'onicaipiau d by me, that I 
had liO conceptioa cither aiAt, or any other oecur- 
reiiCc, -Aouid as rive rn so shoit a jxiiod, which 
couid turn rny eyes froni ''v -h dcs of Mount 
Vernon, But tii;s seems ^ : .. 'i^t of won- 

ders ; and it is reserved fer inioxi :.m cl uid law- 
less I" ranee, for par}.>obes iai- be} o.id liic reach pf 
human ken, to slaughter her own citizens, and to 
disturb the- repose of ali the world beside. From 
a V5CVV of the past; from the prob;>tct of ihe pres- 
ent ; and of that vUiich sctms to be expected, it 
is not easy for me lo decide satisfactorily on the 
pai'l it might best become me to act. In case of 
actual invasion by a formidable force, I certainly 
should not intrench myself under the cover of a^-c 
and retirement, if my services should be required 
by my country to assist in repelling it. And if 
there be good cause to expect such an event, 
wliich ecu.iiui3* must ht bciier known to the gov- 
ernment than to private citizens, delay in prepar- 
ing; fo; il may Ive d:i!iLi:erou'~:, improper, and not to 
bc-jits^i-e. !!< pnicl ^,;'e. '.'";-• !!e._>T' •i.:^v, hovv- 
eve' ■; <■ i tl.v. i.tutr J la jii} muKl, CiXaLes my. em- 



GEORGE WAS lire CTON. 313 

barrassment ; for I cannot bring it to believe, re- 
gardlfbs as the French are of treaties and of the 
laws of nations, and capable as I conceive them to 
be of any species of despotism and injustice, that 
they will attempt to invade this country, after such 
a uniform and unequivocal expression of the de- 
termination of the people in all parts to oppose 
them with their lives and fortunes. That they 
have been led to believe by their agents and par- 
tisans among us, that we are a divided people ; 
that the latter are opposed to their own govern- 
ment ; and that the show of a small force would 
occasion a revolt, I have no doubt ; and how far 
these men, grown desperate, will further attem|]tt 
to deceive, and may succeed in keeping up the de- 
ception, is problematical. Without that, the folly 
of the Directory in such an attempt would, I con- 
ceive, be more conspicuous, if possible, than their 
wickedness. 

'' Having with candour made this disclosure of 
the state of my mind, it remains only for me to 
add, that to those who know me best it is best 
known, that should imperious circumstances in- 
duce me to exchange once more the smooth paths 
of retirement for the thorny ways of public life, at 
a period too when repose is more congenial to na- 
ture, that it would be productive of sensations 
which can be more easily conceived than express- 
ed." 

To the Secretary of War, writing on the same 
subject, Wasiiington replied ; " It cannot be nec- 
essary for me to premise to you, or to others who 
know my sentiments, that to quit the trinquiility 
of retire iiKut, and enter die boundless field of re- 
28 



314 THE LIFE OF 

sponsibility, would be prodactive of sensations 
which a better pen than I possess would find it 
difficult to describe. Nevertheless, the principle 
bv '.vhich my conduct has been actuated through 
life, would not sufter me, in any great emergency, 
to withhold any services I could render when re- 
quired by my country ; especially in a case where 
its dc^arest rights are assailed by lawless ambition 
and intoxicated power, in contempt of every prin- 
ciple of justice, and m violation of solemn com- 
pact, and o^ laws which govern all civilized na- 
tions ; and this too with the obvious intent to sow 
thick the seeds of disunion, for the purpose of sub- 
jugating our government, and destroying our in- 
dependence aud happiness. 

*' Under circumstances like these, accompanied 
by an actual invasion of our territory, it would be 
difficult for me at any time to remain an idle spec- 
tator, under the plea of a;2;e or retirement. VVith 
sorrow, it is true, I should quit the shades of my 
peiiceful abode, aiid the ease and happiness I now 
cpiov, to encounter anew the turmoils of war, to 
which possibly my strength and powers might be 
found incon^petent. Tb.cse, however, should not 
be stucibiiiig blocks irj my own way." 

President Adams nonsiunicd Washington with 
the rank of Lieutenant General, to the chitf com- 
mand of all the armies raised and to be raised in 
the United States. His commission was sent to 
him by Mr. M'Henry, the Secretary of War, who 
was directed to repair to Mount Vernon, and to 
conter on the arrangements of the new army with 
its commander in chief. To the letter which pres- 
ident Adams sent with the commission by the 



GEORGE WASHINfjrON'. 315 

Secretary of War, Washington, in two days, re- 
plied as follows ; 

" f had the honour, on the evening of the 11th. 
instant, to receive from the liand of tlie Secretary 
of War, your favour of the 7th. announcing that 
)'ou had, Willi the advice and consent of the Sen- 
ate, appointed me ' Lieutenant General and Com- 
mander in Chief, of all the armies raised, or to be 
raised, for the service of tlie United States.' 

" I cannot express how greatly affected 1 am at 
this new proof of public tonfidence, and the high- 
1}' fl ittering manner in which you have been pleas- 
ed to make the commiinication. At the same time 
I must not conceal from you my earnest wish, ihat 
the choice had fallen upon a man less declined in 
years, and better qualified to encounter the usual 
vicissitudes of war. 

*' You know, sir, what calculation I had made 
relative to the probable course of events, on my 
retiring from oiFice, and the determinaiion I had 
consoled myself with, of closing the remnant of my 
days in my present peaceful abode. You will 
therefore be at no loss to conceive and appreciate 
the sensations I must have experienced, to bring 
my mind to any conclusion that would pledge 
me, at so late a period of life, to leave scenes I 
sincerely love, to enter upon the boundless field 
of public action, incessant trouble, and high re- 
sponsibility. 

" It was not pos'sible for me to remain ignorant 
of, or indifferent to, recent transactions. The 
conduct of the Directory of France, toward our 
country ; their insidious hostility to its govern- 
ment ; their various practices to withdraw the af- 



316 



THE LIFE or 



fections of the people from it ; the evident tendeti- 
ey of their acts, and those of their agents, to coun- 
tenance and invigorate opposition ; their disregard 
of solemn treaties and the laws of nations ; their 
M'ar upon our defenceless commerce ; their treat- 
ment of our ministers of peace ; and their de- 
mands, amounting to tribute, could not fail to ex- 
cite in me corrtrsponding sentiments with those 
my countrymen have so generally expressed in 
their aifectionate addresses to you. Believe me, 
sir, no one can more cordially approve of the wise 
and prudent measures of your administration. 
They ought to inspire universal confidence, and 
will, no doubt, combined with the state of things, 
call from Congress such laws and means, as will 
enable you to meet the full force and extent of the 
crisis. 

" Satisfied, therefore, that you have sincerely 
wished and endeavoured to avert war, and exhaust- 
ed, to the last drop, the cup of reconciliation, we 
can with pure hearts appeal to Heaven for the jus- 
tice of our cause ; and may confidently trust the 
final result to that kind Providence who has here- 
tofore, and so often, signally favoured the people 
of these United States. 

" Thinking in this manner, and feeling how iur 
cumbent it is upon every person of every descrip- 
tion, to contribute at all tin-ies to his country^s 
welfare, and especially in a moment like the pres- 
ent, when every thing we hold dear and sacred is 
so seriously threatened ; I have finally determined 
to accept the commission of Commander in Chief 
of the armies of the United States ; with the re- 
serve only, that I shall not be called into the field 



ti'OliGK WASHINGTON. 317 

until the army is in a situntion to require my pres- 
ence, or it becotnts iridi^pcnsabk by the urgency 
of circumstances. 

*' lii nuikins^ this reserv.'.tion, I beg it to be un- 
derstood, that I do not mean to withhold any as- 
sistance to arraiH>;e and otg.inize the army, which 
you^may diink I can aflord. I take the liberty 
also to mention, that 1 must decline having my 
acceptance considered as drawing after it any 
immediate charge upon the public ; or tiuit I can 
receive any emoluments annexed to the appoint- 
ment, before entering into a situation lo incur ex- 
pense." 

The time of '* Vashington after the receipt of this 
appointment, was divided between agricultural 
pursuits, and the cares and attentions which were 
imposed by his new office. The org;mization of 
the army was, in a great measuie, left to him. 
Much of his lime was emplo* t d in making a prop- 
er selection of officers, and arr.iP.ging the whole 
army in the best j)ossible mansier to meet the in- 
vaders at the water's edge ; for he contemplated a 
system of continued attack, and frequently observ- 
ed, " that tiie enemy nuist never be permitted to 
gMin foodiold on the siiores of the United States." 
Yet he always thouglit that an actual invasion of 
the country was verv miprolxible. He believed 
that the hosiile measures of France took their rtse 
from an expectalion that these measures wouid 
produce a revolution of power in the United Scates, 
favourable to the views of the French repuolic ; 
and that when the spirit of the Americans Was 
roused, the French would give up ttie contest. 
Evtnts soon proved that these opuuons were vveU 
28* 



318 THE LIFE OP 

founded ; or no sooner had the United State** 
armed, than they were treated with respect, and 
an indirect communication was made that France 
would acommodate all matters in dispute on reas- 
onable terms. Mr. Adams embiactd these over- 
tures, and made a second appointment ol' tliiee en- 
voys extraordinary to the Frencli republic. Tijese, 
on repairing to France, foinKl the Directory over- 
thrown, and the government in the hands or Bo- 
naparte, who had taken no part in the disputes 
wliich had brought the two countries to the verge 
ot war. With him Jiegotiations were commenc- 
ed, and soon terniinated in a pacilic settlement of 
all difterences. 'I'he joy to which this event gave 
birth was great ; but in it General Wastungtou 
did not partake, for before accounts arrived of this 
amicable adjustment, he ceased to be numbered 
tvilh the living. 

On the i3ili. of December, 1799, his neck and 
hair were sprmkkd with a light rain, while he was 
out of doors attending to some improvements on 
his estate. In the following night he was seized 
with an inflammalory alfection of the windpipe, at- 
tended wi*h pain and a difiicuit deglutition, winch 
was soon succeeded by fever, and a laborious res- 
piration. He was bled in the night, but would not 
permit his family physician to be sent for beiore 
day. About 11 o'clock, a. m. Dr. Craik arrived, 
and rightl}j ndging that the ease was serious, rec- 
ommended that two consuliiug pliysicians should 
be sent for. '1 he united i)owers of all three were 
in vain ; in about twenty lour Ikhu's from thet;me 
he was in his u^.ual health, he expired without a 
struggle, and in the pericct use of his reason. 



GEORGR WASHINGTON'. 



319 



In every stage of his d sorder lie u:^lleved that 
he should die, and he was so much under this im- 
press on, that he subiiiiittd to the prescriptions of 
his physicians more from a sense of duty than ex- 
pectation of rel cf After he had given them atri- 
al, he expressed a wish that he might be permit- 
ted to die without fartiier interruption. Toward 
the close of his Jlness, he undressed himself and 
went to bed, to die there. To his frend and phy- 
sician, Dr. Crak, he smd, " I auidynig, and have 
been dynii^ for a lon.i>- time, l)ut I am not afraid to 
die." The eqiianiniiiy wiii; h attended hm through 
life, did not iorsake hm in deatii. He was the 
same in that moment as in all the paj-;t, magnani- 
mous and firm ; confid'.ng in the mercy and re- 
sigjied to the will of Heaven. He submlted to 
the inevitable stroke with die dignity of a man, 
the calmness of a philosopher, the re^jignatiOn and 
confidence of a eiiristian. 

Oil the 18th. h s body, attended ')y military hon- 
ours and the ollices of religion, was depob.ied m 
the family vault on hss estate. 

When intelligence reached Congress of the death 
of Washington, they instantly adjourned until the 
next day, when John iVIarsliall, tiien a Uiember of 
the House of Representatives, and si ii,:e C;<i . Jus- 
tice of the Uiii^ed Slates, and bi();^r ,i):!cr oi \\'ash- 
ington, addressed t he sj)eaker in the loiiuaing words; 

" The melanchoiy event which was \esterd-iy 
announced with doubt, h..s been rendered but too 
certain. Our Wash ngion is no more. '1 he hero, 
the patriot, and the sage of Amer ca ; the ukiii on 
whom in times of danger every eye was tuiiitd, 



320 



TMR LIFF, OP 



and all hopes were placed, lives now only in his 
own ^real ac( oiis, and m the hearts oi' an affec- 
tionate ii.fid ati-i led people. 

" if, sir, It iiiul even not been iisuiil openly to 
testify resjiect for the memory of tho.se whom 
Heaven has selected as its nstrnnients for dispens- 
ing good to man, yet such has been the uncom- 
mon worth, and such the extraordinary incidents 
which hiive marked the life oi' him whose loss we 
all deplore, that the whole American nation, im- 
pelled by the same fee!i,i£j;s, would cull W:th one 
voice f r a pubic rAamiesiation of that sorrow, 
which is so deep and so universal. 

" Mo'.e rhun any odier mdividual, and as much 
as to one individual was possible, has he contribu- 
ted to found this our wide spreading empire, and 
to give to the western world, independence and 
freedom. 

" Haviiig effected the great object for which he 
was placeci at the head of our armies, we have 
seen him convert the sword into the ploughshare, 
and sink the soldier into the citizen. 

" When the deb lity of our federal system had 
become manifest, and the bonds which connected 
this vast continent were dissolving, we have seen 
him the chief of tliose patriots who formed for us 
a constitution, whicl), by preset ving the union, 
will, I t.ust, sub'iUmtiate and perpetuate tiiose 
blessings which oiu' revolution had promised to 
bestow.. 

" In obedience to the general voice of his coun- 
try, callng him to preside over a great people, we 
have seen him once more quit the retirement he 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



321 



loved, and in a season more stormy and tempes- 
tuous than war itself, with cahn and w.se deter- 
mination pursue the true interests of the nation,, 
and contribute more than any otlicr could contrib- 
ute, to the estabLshment of thiit system of pohcy, 
which will, 1 trust, yet preserve our peace, our 
honour, and our independence. 

" Having bt en twice unanimously chosen the 
chief magistrate of a free people, we have seen 
h'm, at atime when his re-election wi:h univer- 
sal suffrage could not be doubted, afford to (he 
world a rare instance of moderation, by vvitlidraw- 
ing from his station to the peaceful wAks of pri- 
vate life. 

" However the public confidence may change, 
and the j^ubltc affections fluctuate with respect to 
others, with respect to him they have, in war and 
in peace, in public and in private hfe, been as 
steady as his own firm mind, and as constant as his 
•own exalted virtues. 

" Let us then, Mr. Speaker, pay the last trib- 
ute of respect auvl affection to our departed friend. 
Let the grand council of the nation display those 
sentiments which the nation feels. For this pur- 
pose I hold in my hand some resolutions which I 
take the liberty of offering to the house. 

" Resolved, That tins House will wait on the 
president, in condolence of th,s mournful event. 

" Resolved, That the speaker's chair be shroud- 
ed with black, and tiiat the members and ofticers 
of the house wear black during the session. 

" Resolved, That a committee, in conjunction 
with one from the Senate, be appointed to consd- 
er on the most suitable manner gf paying honour. 



322 



THE LIFE OP 



to the memory of the man, first in war, first in 
peace, and first in the hearts of h s fellowcitizens." 

The Senate of the United States, on this melan- 
choly occasion, addressed to the president a letter 
in these words ; 

" The Seiiate of the United States respectfully 
take leave, sir, to express to you their deep regret 
for the loss their country sustains m the death of 
Gen. George Washington. 

*' This event, so distressing to all our fellowcit- 
izens, must be peculiarly heavy to on, who have 
long been associated with him in deeds of patriot- 
ism. Ptnnit us, sir, to mingle our tears with 
yours. On this occasion it is manly to weep. To 
lose such a man, at such a crisis, is no common 
calamity to the world. O.ir country mourns a 
father. The Almighty Disposer of human events, 
has taken from us our greatest benefactor and or- 
name. it. It becomes us to submit with reverence 
to him ' \viu3 nvcketh darkness h,s paviU-on.' 

" With patriotic pride we review tli^- life of our 
Washington, and con. pare him with those of oth- 
er couiitries who have been pre-eminent in fame. 
Ancient and modern times are diminished before 
him. Greatness and giiilt have too often been al- 
lied ; but his tlune is whiter than it is briljicmt. 
The destroyers of nations stood abashed at the^ 
majesty of his v rtues. It reproved tlie intemper- 
aiu;e of their ambition, and darkeiud the splendour 
of victory. The scene is closed, and we are no 
longer anx-ous lest niisfortune should sully his 
glory ; he has travelled on to the end of his jour- 
n M., and earned with him an increasing weight of 
honour ; he has deposited it safely where mislor- 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. S25 

tune cannot tarnish it ; where malice cannot blast 
it. Favoured of Heaven, he departed without ex- 
hibiting die weakness of humanity. Magnanimous 
in death, the darkness of the grave could not ob- 
scure his brightness. 

" Such was the man whom we deplore. Thanks 
to God, his glory is consummated. Washington 
yet lives on earth in his spotless example ; his 
spirit is in heaven. • 

" Let his countrymen consecrate the memory 
of the heroic general, the patriotic statesman, and 
the virtuous sage. Let tht-m teach their children 
never to forget, that the fruits of his labours and 
his example ar||their inheritance." 

'{'o this address, the president returned the fol- 
lowing answer ; 

" I receive with the most respectful and affec- 
tionate sentiments, in this impressive address, the 
obliging expressions of your regret for the loss 
our country has sustained in the death of her most 
esteemed, beloved, and admired citizen. 

" In. the multitude of my thoughts and recol- 
lections on tiiis melancholy event, you u ill permit 
me to say, th it I have seen him in the days of ad- 
versity, in some of the scenes of his deepest dis- 
tress, and most trying perplexities. I have also 
attciided him in his highest elevation, and most 
prosperous felicity, with uniform admnation of his 
wisdom, moderation, and constancy. 

" Among all our original associates in that mem- 
orable league of this continent, in 1774, which 
first expressed the sovereign will of a free nation 
in America, he was the only one remainhig in the 



324 



TH« LIFE OF 



general government. Although with a constitu- 
tion njore enfeebled than his, at an age when lie 
thought it necessary to prepare for retirement, I 
feel myself alone bereaved of my last brother, yet 
I derive a strong consolation from the unanimous 
disposition which appears in all ages and classes, 
to mingle their sorrows with mine, on this common 
cahunity to the world. 

» " The life of our Washington cannot suffer by 
a comparison with those of other countries, who 
have been most celebrated and exalted by iame. 
The attributes and decorations of royalty, couid 
only have served to eclipse the majesty of those 
virtues which made him, from bemga modest cit- 
izen, a more resplendent luminary. Misfoitune, 
had he lived, could hereafter have sullied his glo- 
ry only with those siij)erficial minds who, believ- 
ing diat character and actions are marked by suc- 
cess alone, rarely deserve to enjoy it. Malice 
could ntver blast his honour, and envy made him 
a siiigular exception to her universal rule. For 
himself, he had lived long enough to life and to 
glory ; lor hisfellovvcilizens, if their prajers could 
have been answered, he would have been inmior- 
tal ; lor me, his departure is at a most unfortunate 
moment. Trusting, however, in the wise and 
righieous dominion of Providence over the pas- 
sions of men and the results of their actions, as 
well as over their lives, nothing remains for me but 
humble resignation. 

" His example is now complete ; and it will 
teach wisdoiu and virtue to magistrates, citizens, 
aiid men, not only in the present age, but in future 



(.EORGE WASHIN(iTON. 



325 



^generations, as long as our hi^ory shall be read. 
if a Trajan found a Pliny, a Marcus Aureiius can 
never want biographers, eulogists, or historians.'' 

The committee of both houses appointed to de- 
vise the mode by which the nation should express 
its grief, reported the following resolutions, whicil 
were unanimously adopted. 

" Resolved^ by the Senate and House of Repre- 
sentatives of the United States of America^ in Con- 
gress assembled^ That a marble monument be erect- 
eel by the United States at the capitol of the city 
of Washington, and that the family of General 
Washington be requested to permit his body to be 
deposited under it, and that the monument be so 
designed as to commemorate the great events of 
his miutary and political life. 

" And he it further resolved, ihat there be a fu- 
neral procession from Congress Hall, to the Ger- 
man Lutheran chiuxh, in memory of Gen. George 
Wasliington, on Thursday the 26th. instant, and 
that an oration be prepared at the request of Con- 
gress, to be delivered btfore both houses that day ; 
and that tiie president of the Senate, and sjjeaker 
of the House of Representatives, be desired to re- 
quest one of the members of Congress to prepare 
and deliver the same. 

" And be it further resolved, that it be recom- 
mended to the people of the United States, to wear 
crape on their left arm, as mounting, tor thirty 
days. 

" And be it further resolved, that the president 

of the United States be requested to direct a copy 

of these resolutions to be transmitted to Mrs. 

Washington, assuring her of the profound respect 

29 



326 



THE LIFE OF 



Congress will cvef bear for her person and char- 
acter, of their condolence on the late aft'ecting dis- 
pensation of Prov dence ; and entreating her as- 
sent to the interment of the remains of Gen. Wash- 
ington in the manner expressed m the fitst reso- 
lution. 

" A7id be it further resolved, tliat the president 
of the United States be requested to is^ue his proc- 
lamation, noiif} ing to the people throughout the 
United Slates, the recommendaiion contained in 
the diird resolution." 

To the letter of president Adams, which trans- 
mitted to Mrs. Washington the resolution of Con- 
gress that she should be requested to permit the 
remains of Gen. Washington to be deposited un- 
der a marble monument, to be erected in the city 
of Washington, she replied very much in the style 
and numner of her departed husband, and in the 
following words ; "Taught by the great example 
which I hiive so long had before me, never to op- 
pose my private wishes to the public will, I must 
consent to* the request made by Congress, which 
you have had the goodness to transmit to me ; and 
in doing this, I need not, 1 cannot say, what a sac- 
rifice of individual ieeling 1 make to a sense of pub • 
licduiy.^' 

The honours paid to Washington at the scat oi 
government, were but a small part of the whole. 
Throughout the United States, the citizens gener- 
ally expressed, in a variety of ways, bcuh their 
grief and their gratJtude. Their heartfelt distress 
resembled the agony of a large and afitctionate 
family, vvlien a bereaved wife arid orphan children 
mingle their tears for the loss of a husband and 
father. 



GKORGE WASHINGTON. 



327 



The people, from the impulse of their own 
minds, before they knew of similar intentions of 
their fellowcitizens, or of the resolutions of Con- 
gress for a gcneritl mourning, assemlMed and pass- 
ed resolutions, expressive of their high sense of 
the great worth of the deceased, and iheir grateful 
recollection of his important services. Orations 
were delivered, sermons preached, and elegies writ- 
ten, on the melancholy occasion. The best tal- 
cuts of the nation were employed, both in prose 
and verse, in writing and speaking, toexpre&s the 
national grief, and to celebrate the deeds of the 
departed father of his country. In addition to the 
public honours which, in the preceding pages, have 
been mentioned as conferred on Washington in 
his life time, there were others of a private nature 
which flowed from the hearts of the people, and 
which neither wealth nor power could command. 
An infinity of children were called by his name. 
This was often done by people in the humble walks 
of life, who had never seen nor expected to see 
him ; and who could have no expectations of fa- 
vour from him. Villages, towns, cities, districts, 
counties, seminaries of It-arning, and other public 
institutions, were called JFashington, n such num- 
bers, and in such a variety of places, that the name 
no longer answered the end of distinction, unless 
some local or^ appropriating circumstances were 
added to the common appellation. Adventurous 
mariners, wlio discovered islands or countries in 
unexplored regions, availing themselves of the 
privilege of d scoverers, planted the name of the 
American Chief in the remotest corners of the 
globe. 



328 



THE LIFE OF 



The person of George Washington was uncom- 
monh' tall. Mountain air, abundant exercise in 
the open country, the uholcsonie toils of the chase, 
and the delightful scenes of ritral life, expanded 
his limbs to an unusual, but graceful and well pro- 
portioned size. His exterior suggested to every 
beholder the idea of strength, luiited with maniv 
gracefulness. His forni was noble, and his port 
majestic. No man could approach him but with 
respect. His frame was robust, his constitutioii 
vigorous, and he was capable of enduring great fa- 
tigue. His passions were naturally strong ; with 
them was his first contest, and over them his first 
victory. Before he undertook to command oth- 
ers, he had thoroughly learned to command him- 
self. The powers of his mind were more solid 
than brilliant. Judgment was his forte. To vi- 
vacity, wit, and the sallies of a lively imagination, 
he made no pretensions. His faculties resembled 
those of Aristotle, Bacon, Locke, and Newton ; i 
but were very unlike those of Voltaire. Possess- 
ed of a large proportion of common sense, direct- 
ed by a sound practical judgment, he was better 
fitted for the exalted stations to which he was call- 
ed, than many others, who, to a greater brilliancy 
of parts, frequently add the eccentricities of ge- 
nius. 

Truth and utility w^re his objects. He steadi- 
ly pursued, and generally attained them. With 
this view he thought much, and closely examined 
every subject on whicli he was to decide, in all its 
relations. Neither passion, party spirit, pride, prej - 
udice, ambition, i.or interest, influenced his dehb- 
erations. In making up his mind on great occa- 



GF.OrtGE WASHINGTON. 



329 



sions, many of which occurred in which the fate 
of tile army or nation btenied involved, he sought 
for information from all quarters, revolved the sub- 
ject by night and by day,* and exa r:\ined it in ev- 
ery point of view. Guided b}' these lights, and 
influenced by an honest and g-(wd heart, he was 
iniperceptibly ltd to decisions which were wise 
and judicious. Perhaps no man ever lived who 
was so often called upon to form a judgment in 
cases of real difficulty, and who so often firmed a 
right one. Engaged in the busy scenes of life, 
he knew human nature, and die most proper meth- 
ods of accomplish ng proposed objects. Of a 
thousand projiositions he knew to d st ngu sh the 
best, and to select among a thousand the individ- 
ual most fitted for his purpose. 

As a military man, he possessed personal cour- 
age, and a firmness vvh ch neither danger nor diffi- 
culties could shake. His perseverance overcame 
every obstacle ; his moderation cone l^ated all op- 
position ; his gerdus suj)plied every resource. 
He knew how to conquer by delay, and deserved 
true praise by despising unmerited censure. In- 
ferior to his adversary in the numbers, the equip, 
ment, and disc pi ne of his troops, no great advan- 
tage was ever obtained over him, and no oppor- 

* In a lettef to Gen. Kiiox, written after the terniiTiatioii of tlie revo- 
luti^>iiary wur, W:isiiiiintoii obsci'vcil ; " Sti'siuge '.is it iriay stt-ui, it is 
nevertlielcss true, tlint it w-.s not uiilil iately I co'ild .;>;et llie bi-tloi- Of 
my iisii;)! custoii of rLiniinaliiig as s<:on as I a'vokt' in the rafn-ning;, on 
the Diiainess of liie enMiiu;^ ilay ; an-i of ,uy sur[)r;^ie at fiuiiiny:, a.ter re- 
volvini^ many things in my mind, tli'it I was no longer a public man, or 
had any thing to do vvit'i public transactions." 

29* 



330 



TIIK LIFE OF 



tunit}'- to strike an important blow was ever neg- 
lected. In the most ardent moments of the con- 
test, his prudent firmness proved the salvation of 
his coui^try. 

The whole range of history does not present a 
character on which we can dwell with such entire 
unmixed admiration. His qualities were so hap- 
pily blended, and so nicely harmonized, that the 
result was a great and perfect whole. 

The integi'ity of Wasliington was incorruptible. 
His principles were free from the contamination 
of selfish and unworthy passions. His real and 
avowed motives were the same. His ends were 
always upright, and his means pure. He was a 
statesman without guile, and his professions, both 
to his fellowcitizcns and to foreign nations, were 
always sincere. No circumstances ever induced 
him to use duplicity. He was an example of the 
distinction which exists between wisdom and cun- 
ning ; and his manly, open conduct, was an illus- 
tration of the soundness of the maxim, " that hon- 
esty IS the best policy." 

The learning of Washington was of a particu- 
lar kind. He overstepped the tedious forms of 
the schools, and by the force of a correct taste and* 
sound judgment, seized on the great ends of learn- 
in^'", without the assistance of those means which 
have been contrived to prepare less active minds 
for public business. By a careful study of the 
E)i"-lish language ; by reading good models of fine 
wri?ing, and above all, by the aid of a vigorous 
mind,"he made himself master of a pure, elegant, 
and cUiSsicai style. His composition was all nerve ; 
full of correct and manly ideas, which were ex- 



GEORGE WASHLNCnON. 3ol 

pressed in precise and forcible language. His an- 
swers to the innumeraijle addresses whicii on all 
public occasions poured in upon him, were prompt- 
ly made, handsomely expressed, and always con- 
tained something appropriate. His letters to Con- 
gress ; his addresses to that body on the accept- 
ance and resignation of his comvnission ;' his gen- 
eral orders as Commander in Chief; his speeches 
and mes:*iges as president ; and above all, his two 
farewell addresses to the people of tlie United States, 
will remain lasting monuments of the goodness of 
his heart, of the wisdom of his head, and of the el- 
oquence of his pen. 

The powers of his mind were in some respects 
peculiar. He was a great, practical, self taught 
genius ; with a iiead to devise, and a hand to ex- 
ecute, projects of tlie lirst magnitude and greatest 
utility. 

There are few men of any kind, and still fewer 
of those the world calls great, who ha\'e not some 
of their virtues eclipsed by corresponding vices. 
But this was not the case u'ith Gen. V/aslvtngton. 
He had religion without austerit}^, dignity without 
pride, modesty without diffidence, courage widi- 
out rashness, politeness without affectatioii, afili- 
bility without familiarity. His private. character, 
as well as his public one, will bear the strictest 
scrutiny. He was punctual in all his engagements ; 
upright and honest in his dealings ; temperate in 
his enjoyments ; liberal and hospitable to an emi- 
nent degree ; a lover of order ; systematical and 
methodical in all his arrangements. He was the 
friend of morality and religion ; steadily attended 



332 THE LIFR OP 

on public worship ; encouraged and strengthened 
the hands of the clergy. In all his public acts, 
he made the most respectful mention of Provi- 
dence ; and, in a word, carried the spirit of piety 
wiih ]iim both in his private life and pubhc ad- 
ministration. 

Washington had to form soldiers of freemen, 
mnny of whom had extravagant ideas of their per- 
sonal rights. He had often to mediate between a 
starving army, and a high spirited yeomanry. 
So great were the necessities of the soldiers under 
his immediate command, that he was obliged to 
send out detachments to seize on the property of 
the fanners at the point of the bayonet. The Ian. 
guagc of the soldier was, " Give me clothing, give 
me food, or 1 cannot figi^t, I cannot live.'" The 
language of the farmer was, " Protect my proper- 
ty." In this choice of difficulties, Gen. Washing- 
ton not only kejit his army together, but conduct- 
ed w th so much prudence as to connnand the ap- 
probatjon both of the army and of the citizens. 
He was also ckperident for much of his support 
on the cor.currence of thirteen distinct, imconnect- 
ed legisluiures. Animosities preva led between 
his southern and northern tioops, and there were 
strong jealousies between the states from which 
tliey respectively came. To harmonize these 
clashing interests, to nidke uniform arrangements 
from such discordant sources and materials, re- 
quired no conunon shaie of address. Yet so great 
was the effect of the modest unassuming mann.ers 
of . en Washington, that he retained the affection 
of all his troops, and of all the states. 



GEOEiGE WASmXGTOK. 



53: 



He also possessed equanimity in an eminent de- 
gree. One even tenour marked the greatness of 
his mind, in all the variety of scenes through which 
he passed. In the most trying situations he nev- 
er despaired, nor was he ever depressed. He was 
the same when retreating through Jersey from be-' 
fore a victorious enemy with the remains of his 
broken army, as when marching in triuraph into 
Yorktown, over its demolished fortifications. The 
honom-s and applause he received from his .^ate- 
ful countrymen, would have mrvcle almost any oth- 
er man giddy ; but on him they had no mischiev- 
ous effect. He exacted none of *hose attentions ; 
but when forced upon him, he received them as 
favours, with the politeness of a well bred man. 
He was great in deserving thern, but much great- 
er in not being elated with them. 

The patriotism of Washington vi^as of the most 
ardent kind, and without alloy. He was very dif- 
ferent from those noisy patriots, who, with love of 
country in their mouths, and hell in their hearts, 
lay their schemes for aggrandizing themselves at 
every hazard ; but he was one of those who love 
their country in sincerity, and who hold themselves 
bound to consecrate aU their talents to its service. 
Numerous were the dificulties with winch he had 
to contend. Great were the dangers he had to en- 
counter. Various \yere the toils and services in 
which he had to share ; but to all dilHcuities and 
dangers he rose superior. To ail toils and servi- 
ces he cheerfully submitted for his country's good. 

In principle, Washington was a federal republi- 
can, and a republican federalist. Li-bcrty and 
law, the riglits of man, and the control of govern- 



334 THE LIFE OP 

ment, were equally dear to him ; and in his opin- 
ion, equally necessary to pohtical happiness. He 
was devoted to that system of equal political rights 
on which the constitution of his country was found- 
ed ; but thought that real liberty could only be 
maintained by preserving the authority of the laws, 
and giv ng tone and energy to governnicnt. He 
conceivt^d there was an immense difference be- 
tween a balanced republic and a tumultuous de- 
mocracy, or a liiction calling themselves tlie peo- 
ple ; and a still greater between a patriot arid a 
demagogue. He highly respected the deliberate 
sentiments of the people, but their sudden ebulli* 
tions made no impression on his uell balanct^d 
mind Trusting for support to the sober second 
thoughts of the nation, he had the magnanimity to 
pursue its real interests, in opposition to prevail- 
ing prejudices. He placed a proper value on pop- 
iii<!r favour, but could never stoop to gain it by a 
sacrifice of duty, by artifice, or flattery. In criti- 
cal limes he committed h-s well eariied popularity 
to hazard, and steadily pursued the line of con- 
duct which was dctated by a sense of duty, against 
an (apposing popular torrent. 

Wb.ile war raged in Europe, the hostile nations 
would scarce endure a neutral. America was in 
great danger of benig drawn by force or intrigue 
into the vortex. Strong parties in the United 
Suues rendeied the danger more imminent; and 
it required a temperate, but mllexible government, 
to prt-vent the e\'ii. In this trying state of things, 
W ashingtoi!! was not to be moved from the true 
interests of h s cour.tvy. H s object was Ameri- 
ca, and her interest was to remain in peace. Fac- 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 335 

tion at home, and intrigue and menace from abroad, 
endifdvoured to shake him, but in vain ; he re- 
mained firm and immoveable in the storm that sur- 
rounded him. Foreign ntritrue was defeated, and 
foreign insolence was repressed by his address 
and Vigour; wh le domestic fact on, dashing against 
him, broke itself to p.eces. He met the injustce 
bo^^h of Britain and France by negotiat on, rather 
than by war, but aianta ned toward both, that firm 
att:tude which was proper for the magistrate of a 
free state. He commanded their respect, and pre- 
served the tranquiihty of his country. Jn h.s pub- 
lic character, he knew no nation b'.it as friends in 
peace, as enemies in war. Toward one he for- 
got ancient animosities, when the recollection of 
them opposed the nterests of his country. To- 
ward another, he rt nou'ictd a fantast c gratitude, 
when it v/as claimed only to involve his nation in 
war. 

W th Wasliington it was an invariable maxim 
of policy, to secure his country aga nst the i.Jus- 
tice of foreign nations, by beaig in a cond tion to 
couim.and their respect, and punish their aggres- 
s ons. The defence of oisr commerce, the fornfi- 
cation of the ports, and tlie organization of a mili- 
tary force, were objects to which he paid p.;rt cu- 
lar attention. To the gradual formation of an 
American army, he was fr.endly ; and also to mil- 
itary institutions, wh ch are calculated to qualify 
the youth of the coimtry for its defence. War he 
deprecated as a great evil, mferior only to the loss 
of honour and character ; but thought k was most 
easily avoided by be ng ready for it, while, by the 
practice of universal justice, none could have any 



336 TI{^: LIFE Oi- 

real ground of complaint. In foreign transactions, 
his usual policy was to cultivate peace with all the 
world ; to observe treaties with pure and absolute 
faith ; to check every deviation from the line of 
impartiality ; to explain what was misapprehend- 
ed, and to correct what was injurious; and then 
to insist upon justice being done to the nation 
over which he presided, in controversies with 
foreign nations, it was his favourite maxim so to 
conduct toward them, *' as to put them in the 
wrong." 

In his transactions with the Indiiin tribes, Wash- 
ington was guided by justice, humanity, and be- 
nevolence. His authority and iniluence were ex- 
erted to restrain tlie licentious white contiguous 
settlers, from injuring their red neighbours. To 
supply their wants, and prevent impositions, lie 
strongly urged the erection of trading houses in 
their settlements, from which they were furnished 
by government widi goods at first cost. The un- 
principled were restrained from preying on their 
ignorance, by exchiding all but licensed persons, 
with good characters, from trading with them. 
All this w^as done to pave the way for their civili- 
zation. 

When Wabhington commenced his civil admin- 
istration, the United States were without any ef- 
ficient government. After tliey had adopted one 
of their choice, and placed him at its head, he de- 
termined tliat it should be respected. By his firm- 
ness order soon took place. There was one ex- 
ception. The western counties of Pennsylvania 
rose in arms to resist the law for raising a revenue, 
by an excise on domestic distilled ardent spirits. 



SEORGE WASHINGirON. 357 

On this occasion, the fixed resolution of Washing- 
ton was, that whatever expense it might cost, what- 
ever inconvenience it might occasion, the people 
must be taught obedience, and the authority of 
the laws re-established. To secure this object, 
peculiarly important in the infancy of the new gov- 
ernment, he ordered out, and put himself at the 
head, of an ample force, calculated to render re- 
sistance desperate, and thereby to save the lives of 
his fellowcitizens. 

In consequence of such decided measures, the 
insurgents dispersed, and peace and order were re- 
stored without bloodshed. The necessity of sub- 
ordination was impressed on the citizens, and the 
firmness of Washington's personal character was 
communicated to the government. 

Having accomplished every object for which he 
re-entered public hfe, he gave for the second time, 
the rare example of voluntiu'ily descend ng from 
the first station in the universe ; the head of a free 
people, placed there by their unanimous suffrage. 
To the pride of reigning h,s soul was superior. 
To its labours he submitted only for his country. 

Rulers of the world ! Learn from Washington 
wherein true glory consists. Restrain your ambi- 
tion. Consider your power as an obligation to 
do good. Let the world have peace, and prepare 
for yourselves, the enjoyment of tiiat ecsiatic plea- 
sure which will result from devoting all your ener- 
gies to the advancement of human happiness. 

Citizens of the United States ! While with grate- 
ful hearts you recollect the virtues of your VVush- 
ington, carry your thoughts one step farther. On 
a review of his life, and of all the circumstances of 
30 . 



338 THE LIFE OF 

the times In which he lived, you must be convinc- 
ed, that a kind Providence in its beneficence rais- 
ed him, and endowed him with extraordinary vn*- 
tues, to be to you an instrument of great good. 
None but such a man could have carried you suc- 
cessfully through the revolutionary tmies which 
tried men's souls, and ended in the establishment 
of your independence. None but such a man 
could have braced up your government after it had 
become so contemptible, from the imbecility of 
the federal system. None but such a man could 
have saved your country from being plunged into 
war, either with the greatest naval power in Eu- 
rope, or With that which is most formidable by 
hmd, in consequence of your animosity against the 
one, and your partiality in favour of the other. 

Youths of the United States ! Learn from Wash- 
ington what may be done by an industrious im- 
provement of your talents, and the cultivation of 
your moral powers. Without any extraordinary 
advantages from birth, fortune, patronisge, or even 
of education, he, by virtue and industry, attained 
the highest seat in the temple of fame. You can- 
not all be commanders of armies, or chief magis- 
trates ; but you may all resemble him in the vir- 
tues of private and domestic life, in which he ex- 
celled, and in which he most dtliglited. Equally 
industrious with his plough as his sword, he es- 
teemed idleness and inutility as the greatest dis- 
grace of man, whose powers attain perfection only 
by constant and vigorous action. Washington, in 
private life, was as amiable as virtuous ; and as 
great as he appeared sublime, on the public thea- 
tre oftifje world. He lived in the discharge of all 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 339 

the civil, social, and domestic offices of life. He 
was temperate in his desires, and faidiful to his du- 
ties. For more than forty years of happy wedded 
love, his high example streni>;thened the tone of 
public manners. He had more real enjoyment la 
the bosom of his family, than in the pride of mili- 
tary command, or in the pomp of sovereign power. 
On the whole, his life alFords the brightest mod- 
el for imitation, not only to warriors and states- 
men, but to private citizens ; for his character was 
a constellation of all the talents and virtues which 
dignify or adorn human nature. 

" He was a man, take Iiim for all in all, 
We ne'er shall look upon his like again." 

Shakespeare^ 



APPENDIX. 

(NO, I.) 

[Referred to in page 162.] 



TO THE UMITED STATES, IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED. 

The Address and Petition of the Officers of the Army of the United 
States, 

KUMBLY SHOWETH, 

That we, the Officers of the Army of the United States, i 
in behalf of ourselves and our brethren the Soldiers, beg 
leave, with all proper deference and respect, freely to state 
to Congress, the supreme power of the United Suites, the 
great distress under Avhich we labour. 

At this period of the war, it is with peculiar pain we find 
ourselves constrained to address your august body, on 
matters of a pecuniary nature. We have struggled with 
our difficulties year after year, under the hopes that each 
would be the last ; but we have been disappointed. We 
find our embarrassments thicken so fast, and have become 
so complex, that many of us are unable to go further. In 
this exigence we apply to Congress for relief, as our head 
and sovereign. 

To prove that our hardships are exceedingly dispropor- 
tionate to those of any other citizens of America;, kt a re- 
currence be had to the paymaster's accounts, for lour years 
past. If to this it should be objected, that the respective 
states have made settlements, and given securities for the 
pay due for part of that tinie, kt the present value of tnose 
nominal obligations be ascertained by the monied men, 
and they will be found to be worth little indeed j and yet,. 
30* 



342 APPENDIX. 

trifling as they are, many have been under the sad necessi-, 
ty of parting with them, to prevent their families from ac- 
tually starving. 

We complain that shadows havebeen offered to us, while 
the substance has been gleaned by others. Our situation 
compels us to search for the cause of our extreme pover- 
ty. The citizens murmur at the greatness of their taxes, 
and are astonished that no part reaches the army. The nu- 
merous demands which are between the first collectors 
and the soldiers, swallow up the whole. Our distresses 
are now brought to a point. We have borne all that men 
can bear ; our property is expended ; our private resour- 
ces arc at an end ; and our friends are wearied out and 
disgusted with our incessant applications. W^e therefore 
most seriously and earnestly beg, that a supply of money 
may be forwarded to the army, as soon as possible. The 
uneasiness of the soldiers, for want of pay, is great and dan- 
gerous ; any further experiment on their patience, may- 
have fatal effects. The promised subsistence or ration of 
provisions, consisted of certain articles specified in kind 
and quality. This ration, without regard, that we can con- 
ceive, to the health of the troops, has been frequently al- 
tered, as necessity or conveniency suggested ; generally 
losing by the change some part of its substance. On an 
average, not more than seven or eight tenths have been 
issued ; the retained parts were, for a short time, paid for ; 
but the business became troublesome to those who were 
to execute it. For this, or some other reason, all regard 
to the dues, as they respected the soldiers, has been dis- 
continued, now and then a trifling gratuity excepted. As 
these dues respected the officers, they were compensated 
during one year and part of another, by an extra ration. 
As to the retained rations, the account for several years 
remains vmsettled ; there is a large balance due upon it, 
and a considerable sum for that of forage. 

The clothing was another part of the soldier's hire. The 
arrearages on that score, for the year 1777, were paid oft' 
in continental money, when the dollar was Avorth about 
fovirpence ; the arrearages for the following years, are un- 
liquidated, and we apprehend, scarcely thought of, but by 
'the army. Whenever there has been a real v/ant of means, 
's^tl disf^et in system, or neglect in execution, in the de- 



APPENDIX. 343 

partments of the army, we have invariably been the suffer- 
ers- by buptrcr and nakedness, and by languishing in an 
hospital. We beg leave to urge an immediate adjustment 
of all dues ; that as great a part as possible be paid, and 
the remainder put on such a footing as will restore cheer- 
fulness to the army, receive confidence in the justice and 
generosity of its constituents, and contribute to the very 
desirable effect of re-estublishing public credit. We are 
grieved to find, that our brethren, Avho retired from ser- 
vice on half pay, under the resolution of Congress, 1780, 
are not only destitute of any effectual provision, but are 
become the objects of obloquy. Their condition has a 
very discouraging aspect on us, who must sooner or later 
retire, and from every consideration of justice, gratitude, 
and policy, demands attention and redress. We regard 
the act of Congress, respecting half pay, as an honourable 
and just recompense for several years hard service, in 
which the health and fortunes of the officers have been 
worn down and exhausted. We see v/ith chagrin, the odi- 
ous point of view, in which the citizens of too many of the 
states endeavour to place the men entitled to it. We hope, 
for the honour of human nature, that there are none so 
hardened in the sin of ingratitude, as to deny the justice 
of the reward. We have reiison to believe, that the objec- 
tion generally is against the mode only. To prevent there- 
fore, any altercations and distinctions, which may tend to 
injure that harmony which we ardently desire may reign 
throughout the community, we are willing to commute the 
half pay pledged, for full pay, for a certain number of years, 
or for a sum in gross, as shall be agreed to by the com- 
mittee sent with this address. And m this we pray, that 
the disabled officers and soldiers, with the widows and or- 
phans of those who have expended, or may expend, tneir 
lives in the service of their country, may be fuily compre- 
hended. We also beg, that some mode n.ay be pomted 
out for the eventual payment of those soldiers, who are the 
subjects of the resolution of Congress of the 15th. May, 
1778. To the representation now made, the army hiive 
not a doubt that Congress will pay all that attention, which 
the serious nature of it requires. It would be criminal in 
the officers to conceal the general dis.satibtaction vhich 
prevails, and is gaining ground in the army, trom the pres.. 



426 APPENDIX. 

sure of evils and injuries, which, in the course of seven 
long years, have made their condition, in many instances, 
wretched. They therefore entreat that Congress, to con- 
vince the army and the world, that the independence of 
America shall not be placed on the ruin of any particular 
cliiss of her citizens, will point out a mode of immediate 
redress, 

H. KnoX; Majo^ General^ ~\ 

John Patterson, Brigadier Gen.\ ^j^^ ^^^^^^ 

J. G^EATON, Co/.ne/, > Ma^sachuscmline. 

John Crane, Colonel^ \ 

H. MrVXWELL, LieutenafK Colonel J 

J. Huntington, Brigadier General,~] 

H. Swift, Colonel, \on the part of the 

Samuel B. Webb, Colonel, [ Connecticut line. 

E Huntington, Lieutenant Cot. J 

P. CoRTi.ANDT, Colonel, on ilic part oflhe Neio York line. 

T T.T /-< / • /-. ; ? on the part of the 

John N. Cumminos, Lieutenant Col. ^ ^^^^ j^^,^^^ ^.^^^ 

c T r ■ 7 on the part of the A''ew 

William Scott, Major, \- ,f ^ ,/ ,. 

' -^ '5 hampshire line. 

-.^7 T- TT i -^ 7 c ? on the part of the- 

W. EusTis, Hospital Surgeon, ^ ^^^^^^/^^ ^^^^^.^^^^ 

Moses Hazen, Brigadier General. 
Cantonment!, Hudson's Kiver, Dec. 1782. 



(NO. II.} 
[Referral to in page 197.] 



FAREWELL ADDRESS OF GEN. WASHINGTON, TO ITiE 
AR-MIES OF THE UiNlTED STATES. 

Rocky Hill, near Princeton, November 2, 1783. 

The United States in Congress assembled, after giving 
the iiiost hojiourabk'. testimony lo the merits of the federal 
armies, and presenting them with the thanks of their coun- 



APPENDIX. 



345 



try, for their long, eminent, and faithful service, having 
thought proper, by tlieir proclamation, bearing date the 
18th. of October last, to discharge such part of the troops 
as were engaged for the war, and to permit the officers on 
furlough to retire from service, from and after tomorrow ; 
which proclamation having been communicated in the pub- 
lic papers, for the information and government of all con- 
cerned, it only remains for the Commander in Chief to 
address himself once more, and that for the last time, to 
the armies of the United States, however widely dispers- 
ed individuals who compose them may be, and to bid them 
an affectionate, a long farewell. 

But before the Commander in Chief takes his final leave 
of those he holds most dear, he wishes to indulge himself 
a few moments in calling to mind a slight view of the past. 
He will then take the liberty of exploring, with his mili- 
tary friends, their future prospects ; of advising the gen- 
eral line of conduct, which, in his opinion, ought to b© 
pursued ; and he will conclude the address, by expressing 
the obligations he feels himself under for the spirited and 
able assistance he has experienced from them, in the per- 
formance of an arduous office. 

A contemplation of the complete attainment, at a period 
earlier than could have been expected, of the object for 
which we contended, against so formidable a power, can- 
not but inspire us with astonishment and gratitude. The 
disadvantageous circutm stances on our part, under which 
the war was undertaken, can never be forgotten. The sig- 
nal interpositions of Providence, in our feeble condition, 
were such as could scarcely escape the attention of the 
most unobserving ; while the unparalleled perseverance 
of the armies of the United States, ttirough almost every 
possible suffering and discouragement, for the space of 
eight long years, was little short of a standing miracle. 

It is not the meaning, nor within the compass of this ad- 
dress, to detail the hardships peculiarly incident to our ser- 
vice, or to describe the distresses which, in several instan- 
ces, have resulted from the extremes of hunger and na- 
kedness, combined with the rigours of an inclement sea- 
son ; nor is it necessary to dwell on the dark side sf our 
past affairs, 



346 APPENDIX. 

Every American officer and soldier must now console 
himself for any unpleasant circumstance which may have 
occurred, by a recollection of the uncommon scenes in 
which he has been called to act no inglorious part, and the 
astonishing events of which he has been a witness; events 
whicli have seldom, ifevev before, taken place on the stage 
of human action ; nor can they probably ever happen again. 
For who has before seen a disciplined army formed at 
once from such raw materials ? Who that was not a wit- 
ness could imagine that the most violent local prejudices 
would cease so soon, and that men who came from the dif- 
ferent parts of the continent, strongly disposed by the hab- 
its of education lo despise and quarrel with each other, 
■would instantly become but one patriotic band of brothers ? 
Or who that was not on the spot, can trace the steps by 
whieh such a wonderful revolution has been effected, and 
such a glorious period put to all our warlike toils ? 

It is universally acknowledged, that the enlarged pros- 
pects of happiness, opened by the confirmation of our in- 
dependence and sovereignty, almost exceed the power of 
description ; and shall not the brave men who have con- 
tributed so essentially to these inestimable acquisitions, 
retiring victorious from the field of war to the field of ag- 
riculture, participate in all the blessings which have been 
obtained ? In such a republic, who will exclude them from 
the rights of citizens, and the fruits of tlieir labours ? In 
such a country, so happily circumstanced, the pursuits of. 
commerce, and the cultivation of the soil, will unfold to 
industry the certain road to competence. To those hardy 
soldiers who are actuated by the spirit of adventure, the 
fisheries will af!brd ample and profitable employment ; and 
the extensive and fertile regions of the Avest, will yield a 
most happy asylum to those who, fond of domestic enjoy- 
ment, are seeking personal independence. Nor is it pos- 
sible to conceive that any one of the United States will 
prefer a national bankruptcy, and the dissolution of the 
union, to a compliance with the requisitions of Congress, 
and the payment of its just debts ; so that the officers and 
soldiers may expect considerable assistance, in recom- 
mencing their civil occupations, from the sums due to 
them from the public, -whioli must and will most inevita- 
bly be paid. 



APPENDIX. 347 

In order to effect tliis desirable purpose, and remove 
the prejudices which may have taken possession of the 
minds of any of the good people of the states, it is earnest- 
ly recommended to all the troops, that, uith strong attach- 
ment to the union, they should carry with them into civil 
society the most conciliating dispositions, and that tliCy 
should prove themselves not less virtuous an«l useful as 
citizens, than they have been victorious as soldiers. What 
though there should be some envious individuals, who are 
unwilling to pay the debt the public has contracted, or to 
yield the tribute due to merit ; yet, let such unworthy treat- 
ment produce no invective, or any instance of intemperate 
conduct. Let it be remembered, that the unbiassed voice 
of the free citizens of the United States, has promised the 
just reward, and given the merited applause. Let it be 
Jlnown and remembered, that the reputation of the feder- 
al armies is established beyond the reach of malevolence ; 
and let a consciousness of their achievements and fame, 
still excite the men who composed them to honourable ac- 
tions, under the persuasion that the private virtues of econ- 
omy, prudence, and industry, will not be less amiable in 
civil life, than the more splendid qualities of valour, per- 
severance, and enterprise, were in the field. Every one 
may rest assured, that much, very much of the future hap- 
piness of the officers and men, will depend upon the wise 
and manly conduct which shall be adopted by them,w]ien 
they are mingled with the great body of the community. 
And, althougn tne General has so frequently given it as 
his opinion, in the most public and explicit manner, tliat 
iTuless the principles of the federal government were prop- 
erly supported, and the powers of tiie union increased, the 
honour, dignity, and justice of the nation, would be lost 
forever; yet he cannot help repeating, on this occasion, 
so interesting a sentiment, and leaving it as his last injunc- 
tion to every ofiicer and every soldier, who may view the 
subject in the same serious point of light, to add his best 
endeavours to those of his worthy feliov/ citizens, tov/ard 
effecting these great and valuable purposes, on which our 
very existesice as a nation so materially depends. 

The Command;^/ in Cmef conceives little is now want- 
ing to enable tne soldier to change the military character 
into that of the citizen, but that steady, decent tenour of 



348 APPENDIX, 

behaviour, which has g^enerally distinguished not only the 
army under his immediate command, but the different de- 
tachments and armies, through the course of the -war. 
From their good sense and prudence he anticipates the 
happiest consequences; and while he congratulates them 
on the glorious occasion which renders their services in 
the field no longer necessary, he wishes to express the 
strong obligations he feels himself under, for the assist- 
ance he has received from every class, and in every in- 
stance. He presents his thanks in the most serious and 
affectionate manner, to the general officers, as well for 
their counsels on many interesting occasions, as for their 
ardour in promoting the success of the piuns he hud adopt- 
ed ; to the commandants of regiments, and corps, and to 
the other officers, for their ze^l and attention in carrying 
his orders promptly into execution ; to the staff, lor their 
alacrity and exactness in performing the duties of their 
several departments ; and to the noncommissioned officei-s 
and private soldiers, for their extraordinary patience and 
suffering, as well as tiieir invincible fortitude in action. 
To tiie vaiioub branches of the army, the General lakes 
this last and solemn opportunity oi professing his inviola- 
ble attachment and fnendslup. tie wishes more than 
bare professions were in his power, that he was really able 
to be useful to them all in future lite. He flatters him- 
self, however, they will do hnn the justice to believe, that 
whatever could with propriety be attempted by him, has 
been done. 

And being now to conclude these his last public orders, 
to take his ultimate leave in a short tiu.e of the military 
character, and to bid a final adieu to the armies he has so 
long had the honour to command, he can only again offer 
in their behaii, his recommendations to iheir grateful 
country, and his prayers to the God of armies. May am- 
ple juscicc be done them here, and m.iy tlie choicest of 
Heaven's favours, both here and hereafter, attend those 
who, under the divine auspices, have secured innumera- 
ble blessings for others. With tliese wishes, and this ben- 
ediction, the Commancicr ia Chief is about to retire tVoni 
se.vice. TiLC curtain oi b^paraiiou wii; soon be ciravvn, 
«Kl the aiiiitury scene to hiai will bo ciosed for ever. 



APPENDIX. 349 

(NTO. III.) 

GEN. WASHINGTON'S WILL. 

riRGLYIA, Fairfax y ss. 

1, George Deneale^ Clerk of Fairfax County Court, do cer-- 
tify, That the subsequent cofnj of the last Will arid Testa- 
ment o/George Washington, deceased, late President 
of the United States of America, with the Schedule annex- 
if(/j is a true copy from the origi7ial^ recorded in my office. 

In testimony ivhereof I have hereunto set my hand, 
/his 23d. day of Januaru, 1800. 

GEO." DENEALE, C. F. C. 



/.V THE jYJME of GOD, Amen. 

I, GEORGE WASHINGTON, of Mount Vernon, a cit= 
ixen of the United States, and lately piesi'lent of the same, 
Do make, ordain, and declare this Instrument, whicli is 
written with my own hand, and every page thereof sub- 
scribed with my name,* to be my last will and testa- 
ment, revoking all others. 

Imjirimis. All my debts, of which there are but few, 
and none of magnitude, are to l)e punciuaily and speedily 
paid ; and the legacies herein after bequeathed, are to be 
discharged as soon as circumstances will permit, and in 
the manner directed. 

Item. To my dearly beloved wife, Martha. Washington.^ 
I give and bequeath the use, profit, and benefit of my whole 
estate, real and personal, for the term of lier natural life, 
except such parts thereof as are specially disposed of here- 

* In the original raaniiscript, (Ieorce Washington's name fs 
ivritteu at the bottom of every page. 

31 



350 APPENDIX. 

after. My improved lot in tlic town of Alexandria, situ- 
ated OP Pitt arid Cumeron streets, I give to her and her 
heirs for ever ; as I also do my household and kitchen fur- 
niture o. every sort and kind, with the liquors and groce- 
ries which mc y be on hind at the time of nty decease, to 
be used and disposed of a3 she may think proper. 

Item. Upon the decease of my wife, it is my will and 
desire, that all tiie slaves which I hold in vnj oum right, 
shall rece ve thvir freedom. To emancipate them during 
her life, would, though earnestly wished by me, be attend- 
ed with such insuperable difficulties, on account of their 
intermixture by marriages with the dower negroes, as to 
excite the n.ost painful ser.sations, if not dis|igreeable con- 
sequences to the latter, while both descriptions are in the 
occupancy of the same proprietor; it not being in my 
power, under the tenure by which the dower negroes arc 
held, to manun)it them. And whereas, among those who 
•w'iW receive ticedom according to this devise, there may 
be some who, from old age or bodily infirmities, and others 
who, on account of their infancy, will be unable to support 
themselves, it is my will and desire, tliat all who come un- 
der the first and S3C!)ik1 descriptioii, shall be comfortably 
clothed and fed by my heirs while they live ; and ihat such 
of the latter dcsciipi.ion ciS have no parentri living, or, if 
living, are unable or unwilling to provide for them, shall 
be bound by the court until they shall arrive at the age of 
twenty five years ; and in cases where no record can be 
produced, whereby their ages can be ascertair.ed, the j'odg- 
jneiit of the coint, upon its own view of the subject, shall 
be adequate and final. The negroes thus bound, are, by 
their masters or mistresses, to be taught to read and v.rite, 
and be brought up. to some useful occupation, agreeably 
lo the laws of the comnionweultii of Virginia, providing 
for the support of orphan and other poor children. And 
I do hereby expressly forbid the sale or transportation out 
of the said con. mon wealth, of any slave 1 m.ay die possess- 
ed of, under any pretence v.'hatsoever. And 1 do more- 
over most pointecily and most solemnly enjoin it upon my 
executors hereafter named, or the survivors of them, to 
sec that thin clause respecting slaves, and every part there- 
of, be religiously fuitiiled at the epoch at whicii it is di- 
rected to take place, without evaaion, neglect, or delay, 



APPENDIX. 351 

after the crops which may then bs on the ground are har- 
vested, particularly as it respects the aged and infirm ; 
seeing that a regular and pcimanent fund be established 
for their support as long as they are subjects requiring it, 
not trusting to the uncertain provision made by individu- 
als. And, to my mulatto man, William, calling himself 
William Lee, I give immediate freedom, or if he should 
prefer it, on account of the accidents which have befallen 
him. and which have rendered him incapable of walking, 
or of any active employment, to remain in the situation he 
now is, it shall be optional in him to do so ; in either case, 
however, I allow him an annuity of thirty dollars during 
his natural life, which shall be independent of tiic victuals 
and clothes he has been accustomed to receive, if he choos- 
es the latter alternative ; but in full vvith his freedom, if 
he prefers the first ; and this I give him as a testimony of 
my sense of his aitachincnl to rnc, and for his faithful ser- 
vices during the revolutionary war. 

Item. To the trustees, governors, or by whatsoever 
other name they may be designated, of the academy in the 
town of Alexandria, I give and bequeath, in tru ,t, four 
thousand dollars, or in other words, twenty of the shares 
which I hold in the bank of Alexandria, toward the sup- 
port of a free school, established at, and annexed to, the 
said academy, for the purpose of educating orphan chil- 
dren, or the children of such other poor and indigent per- 
sons, as are unable to accomplish it with their own means, 
and who, in the judgment of the trustees of the said sem- 
inary, are best entitled to the benefit of this donation. The 
aforesaid twenty shares I give and bequeath in perpetuity, 
the dividends only of which are to be drav/n for, and ap- 
plied by the said trustees, fur the time being, for the uses 
abovementioned ; the stock to remain entire and untouch- 
ed, unless indications of failure of the said bank should 
be so apparent, or a disconlinuancc thereof should ren- 
der a removal of this fund necessary. In either of 
these cases, the amount of the stock here devised is to be 
vested in some other bank, or public institution, whereby 
the interest may with regularity and certainty be drawn 
and applied as above. And, to prevent miscojiception, my 
meuniing is, and is hereby declared to be, tha these twen-> 
ty shares are in lieu of, and not in addition to, the lOOOl. 



352 



APPENDIX'. 



given by a missive letter some years ago, in consequence 
whereof an anraiity of 501. has since been paid toward the 
support of this institution. 

Itein. Whereas by a law of the commonwealth of Vir- 
ginia, enacted in the year 1785, the legislature thereof was 
pleased, as an evidence of its approDation of the services 
1 had rendered the public during the revolution, and part- 
ly, I believe, in consideration of my having suggested the 
vast advantages which the community would derive from 
the extension of its inland navigation, under legislative 
patronage, to present me with one hundred shares of one 
hundred dollars each, in the incorporated company estab- 
lished for the purpose of extending the navigation oi James 
river, ivoxn the tide water to the mountains ; and also with 
fifty shares, of !00l sterling each, in the corporation of 
another company, likewise established for the similar pur- 
pose of opening the navigation of the river Potonvmac^ivova. 
the tide water to Fort Cumljcrland ; the acceptance of 
which, although the oficr was highly honourable and grate- 
ful to ruy feeiings, was refused, as inconsistent with a prin- 
ciple which I had adopted, and had never departed from ; 
namely, not to receive pecuniary compensation for any ser- 
vices I couUl render my country in its arduous struggle 
with Great Britain for its rights, and because I had evad- 
ed similar propositions from other states in the union; 
adding to this refusal, however, an intimation, that, if it 
should be the pleasuie of the legislature to permit me to 
appropriate the said shares \o /tnblic uses^l would receive 
them on those terms w ith due sensibility ; and this it hav- 
ing consented to, in flattering terms, as will appear by a 
subsequent law, and sundry resolutions, in the most am- 
ple and honourable manner. T proceed, after this lecital, 
for the more correct luulerstanding of the case, to declare, 
That as it has always been a source of serious regret with 
me, to see the youth of these United States sent to foreign 
countries for the purposes of education, often before their 
minds were formed, or they had imbibed any adequate 
ideas of the happiness of tlieir own ; contracting, too Ire- 
quently, not only habits of dissipation and extravagance, 
but Jirincifiles unfriendly to refniblican government^ and to 
the true and genuine liberties of mankind, which, thereafter, 
arc rarely overcome. For these reasons, it has been my 



APPENDIX. 353 

ardent wish to see a plan devised, on a liberal scale, which 
would have a tendency to spread systematic ideas through 
all parts of this rising empire, thereby to do away local at- 
tachments and state prejudices, as far as the nature of 
things would, or indeed ought to admit, from our national 
councils. Looking anxiously forward to tbe accomplish- 
ment of so desirable an object as this is, in my estlniution, 
my mind has not been able to contemplate any plan more 
likely to effect the measure, than the establishment of a 
university in a central part of the United St.itcs, to which 
the youths of fortune and talents from al' parts thereof, 
might be sent for the completion of their education in all 
the branches of polite literature, in the arts and sciences, 
in acquiring knowledge in the principles of politics and 
good government ; and, as a matter of infinite inii:)crtancc 
in my judgment, by associating with eacii other, and form- 
ing friendships in juvenile years, be enabled to free them- 
selves, in a proper degree, from tliosc local prejudices 
and habitual jealousies whicji liave just been mentioned, 
and which, when carried to excess, are never failing sourc- 
es of disquietude to the pulilic mind, and pregnant of mis- 
chievous consequences to this country. Under these im- 
pressioiis, so fully dikaed, 

Item. I give and bequeath, in perpetuity, the fifty shares 
which I hold in the Poton'.n.iC ccMiipany, under the afore- 
said acts of the legisluture of Virgiiiia, toward the endow- 
ment of a university, to be estciblished within the limits of 
the district of Coiumbia, under the auspices of the gener- 
al government, if that government should incline to extend 
a fostering hand toward it ; and until such seminary is es- 
tablished, and the funds arising on these shares shall be 
required for its support, my further will and desire is, that 
the profit accruing therefrom, shall, whenever the divid- 
ends are made, be laid out in purchasing stock in the bank 
of Columbia, or some other bank, at the discretion of my 
executors, or by the treasurer of the United States for the 
time being, under the direciion of Congress, provided tliat 
honourable body should patronize the measure ; and the 
dividends proceeding from the purchase of such stock are 
to be vested in more stock, and so on, uiuil a sum adequate 
to the accomplishment of the object is obtained, of wiiich 
I have not the smallest doubt before many yeurs pass tiWiiy, 
31* 



354 APPENDIX. 

even if no aid or encouraqcrrtent is a;iven by legislative au • 
thority, or from any other source. 

Item. The hundred shares which I hold in the James 
river company, T have given, and now confirm, in perpe- 
tuity, to and for the use and benefit of Liberty Hall Acad- 
emy, in the county of Rockbridge, in the commonwealth 
of Virginia. 

Item. I release, exonerate, and discharge, the estate of 
rny deceased brother, Savuiel JVas/ihigro?!, from the pay- 
'inent of the money which is due to me for the land I sold, 
to Philip Pendleton, lying in the county of Be re kky, who 
assigned the same to him, the said Samuel,v'Uo,hy agree- 
ment, was to pay me therefor ; and whereas by some con- 
tract, the purport of wliich was never communicated to 
me, between the said Samuel and his son ThurntAtn Waah- 
ington^ the latter became possessed of the aforesaid land, 
without any conveyance having passed from me, either to 
the said Pendlelcn, the said Samuel, or the said Thorritoriy 
and without any consideration having been made, by which 
neglect, neither the legal nor equitable title has been ali- 
enated ; it rests therefore with me, to declare my inten- 
tions concerning the premises ; an'l these are, to give and 
bequeath the said land to whomsoever the said Thornton 
IFa-'i/iingio//, who is also dead, devised the same, or to his 
heirs for ever, if he died intestate, exonerating the estate 
of the said Thornton.^ equdly with that of the said Samuel, 
from payment of the purchase money, which, with inter- 
est, agreeably to tlie original contract with the said Peii- 
dleton., would amount to more than loooi. And wliereas, 
two other sons of my said deceased brother Samuel^ name- 
ly, George Steptoe Washington., and Laivrence Augustine 
Washington., were, by the decease of those to whose care 
they were committed, brought under my protection, and, 
in consequence, have occasioned advances on my part for 
their education at college and other schools, and for their 
])Oard, clothing, and other incidental expenses, to the 
amount of near five thousand dollars, over and above the 
sums furnished by their estate ; which sum it may be in- 
convenient for them or their father's estate to refund. I 
do, for these reasons, acquit them and the said estate from 
the payrnent thereof; my intention being, that all accounts 
between them and me, and their father's estate and me, 
shall stand balanced. 



APPENDIX. 355 

Item. The b'^lance due to me from the estate of Bar- 
tholomeiv Dandridge., deceased, my wife's brother, and 
which amounted, on the first day of October, 1795, to 4251. 
as will appear by an account rendered by his deceased son, 
John Dandrrdge., who was the acting executor of his fath- 
er's will, I release and acquit from the payment thereof. 
Aiid the negroes, then thirty three in number, formerly 
belonging to the said estate, who were taken in execution, 

sold, and purchased in on my account, in the year ., 

and ever since huve remained in the possession and to the 
use of Mary, widow of the said Burth. Dmidridge, with 
their increase, it is my will and desire, shall continue and 
be in her possession, \\ ithout paying hire, or making com- 
pensation for the same, for the time past or to come, dur- 
ing her natural life ; at the expiration of which, I direct, 
that all of them who are forty years old and upward, shall 
receive their freedom ; all under that age and above six- 
teen, shall serve seven years, and no longer; and all un- 
der sixteen years, shall serve until they are twenty five 
years of age, and then be free. And to avoid disputes re- 
spcctirig the ages of any of these negroes, they are to be 
taken into the court of the county in which they reside, 
and the judgment thereof, in this relation, shall be final, 
and record thereof made, which may be adduced as evi- 
dence at any lime thereafter, if disputes should arise con- 
cerning the same. And I further direct, that the heirs of 
the said Barth. IJandridgc^ sliall equally share the benefits 
arising from the services of the said negroes, according to 
the tenor of this devise, upon the decease of their mother. 

Item. If Charlfn Carter, who intermarried with my 
niece Betty Lewis, is not sufficiently secured in the title to 
the lots he had of me in tlie town of f'redericksburg, it is 
my will and desire, that my executors shall mr-k( -,uch con- 
veyances of them as the law requires to render it perfect. 

Ite?}i. To my nephew, IVilliam AugunUne It'ush'ugton, 
and his neirs, if he should conceive them to be olijects 
worth prosecuting, a lot in the town of Manchester, oppo- 
site to Richmond, No. 265, drawn on my sole account, and 
also the tenth of one or twa hundred acre lots,%nd two or 
three half acre lots, in the city and vicii;iv ri Richmond, 
drawn in p.atncrsLu, wii.i. uiiic oiheib ^li ii. the lottery of 
the deceased \Viiiium JtJird, are given ; as is also a lot 



356 API'RNDIX. 

which I purchased of John Hood, conveyed by William 
Wiliio and Ssmuel Gordon, trustees of thf- said John 
Hood, lauv.bcicd 139, in the town of Edinburgh, in the 
county of PviiiCe George, stale of Virginia. 

Item. To my nepliew, Dufthrod Va.'hini^tov^ I give and 
bequeath all the papers in my possession which relate to 
my civil taid military administration of the affairs of this 
country ; I leave to him also such of my private papers as 
are worth preserving ; and, at the decease of my wife, and 
before, if she is not inclined to retain tlu. m, I give aiul be- 
queath my library of books and pamphlets of every kind. 

Itc?v. Having sold lands which I possessed in the state 
of Pennsylvania, and part of a tract held in equal right 
with George Clinton, late governor of New York ; my 
share of land and interest in the Great Dismal Swamp, 
and a tract of land Ivhich I owned in the countv of Glouc- 
ester ; withhoiding'the legal titles thereto, unti the con- 
sideration money should be paid ; and having moreover 
leased, and conditionally sold, as will appear by tbe tenor 
of the said leases, all my lands upon the Great Kenhawa, 
and a tract upon DiiTicuit Run, in the county of Loudon, 
it is my will and direction, that whensoever the contracts 
are fully and respectively complied w iib, according to the 
spirit, true intent, and meaning thereof, on the part of the 
purchasers, their heirs or assigns, that then, and in that 
case, conveyances are to be mtide, agreeable to the terras 
of the said contracts, and the money arising therefrom, 
when paid, to be vested in bank stock ; the dividends 
whereof, as of that also which is alrcdy vested tberein, is 
to inure to my said wife during her life ; but the stock it- 
self is to reiiiain and be subject to the general distribution 
hereafter directed. 

Item. To the Earl oj Buchan, I recommit " the box 
made of the oak that sheltered the brave Sir William tl'al- 
lac;' after the battle of Falkirk," presented to me by his 
lordship in terms too flattering for me to repeat, with a 
request " to pass it, on the event of my decease, to the 
man in my country who should appear to merit it best, 
Tipon the skme conditions that have induced him to send 
it to me." Whether easy or not, to select the man who 
might comport with his ioi'dship's opinion in this respect, 
is not lor me to say j but conceiving that no disposition 



API^ENIJIX. 



357 



of this valuable curiosity can be more eligible than the re- 
commitment of it to his own cabinet, agreeably to the orig- 
inal design of the Goldsmith's company of Edinburgh, who 
presented it to him, and, at his reciuest, consented that it 
should be transferred to me. I do give and bequeath the 
same to his lordship; and, in case of his decease, to his 
heir, with my grateful thanks for the distin.guishcd hon- 
our of presenting it to me, and more especially for the fa- 
vourable sentiments with which he accompanied it 

Item. To my brother, Charles lVa-<hni^'(u)i^ 1 give and 
bequeath the gold headed cane left me by Dr. Franklin, in 
his will. I add nothing to it, because of the ample provi- 
sion I have made for his issue. To the acquaintances and 
friends of my juvenile years, Lavjrciice ]Vashington and 
Robert WaJiingion^ of Chotanct, 1 give my other two gold 
headed canes, having my arms engraved on them ; and to 
each, as they will be useful where they live, I leave one 
of the spyglasses, which constituted part of my equipage 
during the late war. To my compatriot in arms, and old 
and intimate friend. Dr. Craiki I give my bureau, or, as 
the cabinetmakers call it, tambour secretary^ and the cir- 
cular chair an appendage of my study. To Dr. David 
Sterjart, I give my large shaving and dressing table, and 
my telescope. To the reverend, now Bryan Lord Fairfax^ 
I give a Bible, in three large folio volumes, with notes, 
presented to me by the Rt. Rev. ThumaH IVil.^on, bishop 
of Sodor and Man. To Gen. Be la Fai/ette, I give a pair 
of finely wrought steel pistols, taken from the enemy in 
the revolutionary war. To my sisters in law, Hannah 
Washington and Mildred Washington ; to my fiiends, Klc- 
anor Stuart.^ Hannah Washington.^ of F^jrfield, and Eli':a- 
beth Washington.^ of Ha\ field, I give e-ich a mourning ring 
of the value of one hundred dollars. These bequests are 
not made for the intrinsic value of them, but as uiLuientos 
of my estee.n and regard. To T bias Ltar,\ give the 
use of the farm which he now holds, in virtue of a lease 
from me to him and his deceased wife, for and during their 
natural lives, free fro.m rent during his life ; at the expi- 
ration of which, it is to be disposed of as is hereinafter di- 
rected. To 'Salh/ B. Hai/vir, a distant relation of mine, I 
give und bequeath three himdred dollars. To Surah Green, 
daui^iuer of the deceased T/u/nas Bishofi, and to ^^nri 



3d8 appenMx. 

Walker, daughter of Jnhn Jit on, also deceased, I give eacfr 
one hundred dollars, in consideration of the attachment of 
their fathers to me, each of whom having lived nearly foi'- 
ly years in my family. To each of my nephews, JVilliam 
Jlug-u-'itine IVashington, George Lewis-, George Stefitoe 
Washington, Bushrod Was/tifig(on,iind Samuel Washing- 
ton, I give one of the swords, or cutteaux, of which I may 
die possessed ; and they are to choose in the order they 
are named. These swords are accompanied with an in- 
junction, not to unsheath them for the purpose of shed- 
ding blood, except it be for self defence, or in defence of 
their country and its rights ; and, in the lutter case, to keep 
them unbheathed, and prefer fulling with them in their 
hands, to the relinquishment thereof. 

And now, having gone through these specific devises, 
Avith explanations for the more correct understanding of 
the meaning and design of them, I proceed to the distri- 
bution (.ftr.c more important parts of my estate, in man- 
ner foUoviing. 

Firat. To my nephew. Bushrod IVashitigton, and his 
heirs, partly in consideration of an intimation to his de- 
ceased father, while we were bachelors, and he had kind- 
ly undertaken to superintend my estate during my milita- 
ry services in the former war between Great Britain and 
France, that if 1 should fall therein, Mount Vernon, then 
less extensive in domain than at present, should become 
his property, I give and boqueuth all that part thereof 
which is comprehended within the follow hig limits, viz. 
Beginning at the ford of Dogue run, near my mill, and 
extending along the road, and bounded thereby, as it now 
goes, and ever has gone, since my recollection of it, to the 
ford of Little Hunting creek, at the Gum Spring, until it 
comes to a knowl opposite to an »)id road which foruieriy 
passed through the lower field of Muddyhole farm, at 
which, on the north side of the said ro.id, are three red or 
Sp.mish oaks, marked as a corner, and u stone placed ; 
thence by a line of trees to bo marked rectangular, t.> the 
back line or outer boundaiy of tne tract between Thomas 
Mason and myself; thence with thut line easterly, now 
double ditching, with a post and ruil fci.cc thereon, to the 
run of Li tlvj Hur.ting creek ; thfvxJ w^ih that rvt.i, wiach 
is the boundary betvveen the lands of the late H. Pcake and 



APPENDIX. 



359 



•jr. c, to the tidewater of the said creek; thence by that 
•water to Potowmac river ; thence with tlie river to tlie 
mouth of Dogue creek, and thence with the said Dopue 
creek to the place of beginning at the aforesaid ford ; con- 
taining upward of four thousand acres, be the same more 
or less, together with the mansion house and all other 
buildings and improvements thereon. 

Second. In consideration of the consanguinity between 
them and my wife, being as nearly related to her as to my- 
self, as on account of the aft'cction I had for, and the obli- 
gation I was under to, their father, when living, who irom 
liis youth, had attached himself to my person, and follow- 
ed my fortunes through the vicissitudes of the late revo- 
lution, afterward devoting his time to the superintendarice 
of my private con^.erns for m.any years, whilst my public 
employments rendered it impracticable for me to do it 
myself, thereby affording me essential services, and al- 
ways performing them in a manner the most filial and re- 
spectful. For these reasons, I say, I give and bequeath 
to George Fayette Washington^ and Lawrence duguntine 
Washington^ and their heirs, my estate east of Little Hunt- 
ing creek, lying on the river Potowmac, including the 
farm of three hundred and sixty acres, leased to Tobias 
Lear^ as noticed before, and containing in the whole, by 
deed, two thousand and tvvcnty seven acres, be it more or 
less ; which said estate it is my will and desire should be 
equitably and advantageously divided between them, ac- 
cording to quavitity,q>iali;y, and other circumstances, when 
the youngest shall have arrived at the age of twenty one 
years, by three judicious and disinterested men ; one to be 
chosen by each of the brothers, and tt.e third by these two. 
In the nitan time, if the termination of my wife's interest 
therein should have ceased, the profits aii;ing therefiom 
are to be applied for their joint uses and benefit. 

riiir :. And whereas, it has always been my intention, 
since my expectation of having issue has ceased, to consid- 
er the grand children of my wife, in the same light as I 
do my own relations, and to act a friendly part by them, 
more especially by the two whom we hi.ive raised from 
their earliest infancy ; namely, Eleanor Park Cuaiis., ar.d 
George WuK/iingion l-'a<'k Cujititt ; and whereas, the form- 
er of these hath lately intermarried with La-wrcnce LexuiSf 



360 APPENDIX. 

a son of my deceased sister, Betty Leivis^hy which union 
the inducement to provide for them both has been increas- 
ed ; wherefore I give and bequeath to the said Latvrence 
Z.eTjis, and Eleanor Park Lewis his wife, and their heirs, 
the residue of my Mount Vernon estate, not already de- 
vised to my.nephew, Buslirod r/avA/^/jj-^c?/, comprehended 
■within the following description, viz. All the land north 
of the road leading from the ford of Dogue run to the 
Gum Spring, as described in the devise of the other part 
of the tract to Bu^.hmd Waf<hingto7i^ until it comes to the 
stone, and three red or Spanish oaks on the knowl ; thence 
with the rectangular line to the back line, between Mr. 
Mason and me ; thence with that line westerly along the 
new double ditch to Dogue rvin, by the tumbling dam of 
my mill ; thence with the said run to the ford uforemen- 
tioned ; to which I add all the land I poss' ss west of the 
said Dogue run and Dogue cieek, bounded easterly and 
southerly thereby ; together with the mill, distillery, and 
all other houses and improvements-on the premises ; mak' 
ing together about two thousand acres, be it more or less. 

Fourth. Actuated by the principle already mennoned, 
I give and bequeath to George Waahinsi-ton Park Czi.stis, 
the grandson of my wife, and my ward, and to his heirs, 
the tract 1 hold on Four Mile Run, in the vicinity of Al- 
exandria, containing one thousand two hundred acres, more 
or less, and my entire square, No. 21, in the city of Wash- 
ington. 

Fifth. All the rest and residue of my estate, real and 
personal, not disposed of in manner aforesaid, in whatso- 
ever consisting, wheresoever lying,and vvheresoevej* found, 
a schedule of which, as far as is recollected, with a reas- 
onable estimate of its value, is hereunto annexed, I desire 
may be sold by my executors, at such times, in such man- 
ner, and on such credits, if an equal, valid, and satisfacto- 
ry distribution of the specific property cannot be made 
without, ..s in their judgment shall be most conducive to 
the interest of the parties concerned, and the .i;onies aris- 
ing therefi'om to be divided into twenty three equal parts, 
and applied aS follovvj, viz. To Williayn Jugustine liash- 
ingtotu Klizabeth S/iot&mood., Jane 7'/zfjr?iiro7?, and the heirs 
oi .i?in jLJivju, sou and daugiiters of my deceased brother 
Augusiinc IVashingtoHy 1 give and bequeath four parts, 



APPENDIX. 



361 



that is, one part to each of them ; to Fielding Leivis, 
Georgi: Lewis, Robert Leivi/s, HovjcU Letvis, and Betty Car- 
ter, sons and daughter of my deceased sister Betty Lewis., 
T'give and bequeath five other parts, one to each of them ; 
to George Stefitoe Washington, Lawrence A. Washington, 
Harriet Parks, and the heirs of Thornton Washington, 
sons and daughter of my deceased brother Samuel Wash- 
ington, I give and bequeath the other four parts, one part 
to each of them ; to Corbin Washington, and the heirs of 
Jane Washington, son and daughter of my deceased broth- 
er John A. W ishington, I give and bequeath two parts, one 
part to each of them ; to Samuel Washington, Frances Ball, 
and Mildred Hammond, son and daughters of my brother 
Charles Washingto7i, I give and bequeath three parts, one 
part to each of them ; and to Geo. F. IFashingto?!, Charles 
Aug. Jfasliington, and Maria rras/;/«§7o77, sons and daugh- 
ter of my deceased nephew Geo. A. Washington, I give 
one other part, that is, to each a third of that part ; to 
AV/r. Park Law, Martha Park Pfter., and Eleanor Park 
Lc-wis, I give and bequeath three other parts, that is, a 
pait to each of them ; and to my nephews, Bnshrod JVash- 
ington and Lavj. Lenvis, and to my ward, the grandson of 
my wife, I give and bequeath one other part, that is, a 
third thereof to each of them. And if it should so hap- 
pen, that any of the persons whose names arc here enu- 
merated, unknown to me, should now be dead, or should 
die before me, that in either of these cases, the heirs of 
such deceased persons shall, notwithstanding, derive all 
the benefits of the bequest, in the same manner as if he or 
she was actually living at the time. And by way of ad- 
vice, I recommend to my executors not to be precipitate 
in disposing of the landed property, therein directed to be 
sold, if from temporary causes the sale thereof should bq, 
dull; experience having fully evinced, that the price of 
land, especially above the falls of the rivers and ou the 
western waters, has been progressive^ rising, and cannot 
be long checked in its increasing valu^. And I paj-icu- 
larly recommend it to such of the legatees, u:;der this 
clause of my will, as can make it convenient, to take each 
a share of my stock in the Potowmac company, in prefer- 
ence to the amount of what it might sell for ; being thor^ 
32 



362 



APPENDIX. 



oughly convinced myself, that no uses to which the mon- 
ey can be applied, will be so productive as the tolls uris- 
inty from this navigation when in full operation, and this 
from the nature of things, it must be ere long, and more 
especially if that of the Shenandoah is added thereto. 

The family vault at Mount Vernon requiring repairs, 
and being improperly situated beside, I desire that a new 
one of brick, and upon a larger scale, uuiy be built at the 
foot of what is commonly called the Vineyard enclosure, 
on the ground which is marked out ; in which my remains, 
with those of my deceased relations, now in the old vault, 
and such others of my family as may choose to be entomb- 
ed there, may be deposited. And it is my express desire, 
that my corpse may be interred in a private manner, with- 
out parade or funeral oration. 

Lastly. I constitute and appoint my dearly beloved 
wife, Martha Wafi /ling ton., my i\G^\\cws William Auguatlne 
Washington., Bushrod Washington., George Stejitoe Wash- 
ington., Samuel Washington^ and Lawrence Leivun^ and my 
ward George IVa.ihington Park Custis., when h'i shall h;-.ve 
arrived at the age of twenty years, execr.trix ar^d execu- 
tors of this my will and rbSTAMENr; ia toe construc- 
tion of which, it will readily be perceived, tliat no profes- 
sional character has been consulted, or has h. d aiy agen- 
cy in tr.e draught ; and, that although it has occupied many 
of my leisure hours to digest, aijd to throw it into its pres- 
ent form, it may, notwithstanding, appear crude and incor- 
rect ; but having eiKkivoiu «.d to be plain and explicit in 
all the devises, evtn at the exjjense t>f prolixity, perhaps 
of tautology, 1 hope and trust, that no disputes will arise 
conceriung them ; but if, contrary to expt ctation, the case 
should be otherwise from the want of legal expression, or 
the usual techriical terms, or because too much or too lit- 
tle has been said on any oi'the devises to be consonant v. uh 
law, my will and direction expressly is, that all disputes, 
if unhappily any t^uld arise, shall be decided by three 
impartial and intelligent men, known for their probity and 
o-ood understanding; two to be chosen by the disputar.ts, 
each having the choice of one, and the third by those two ; 
vMich three men thus chosen shall, unfettered by law or 
leeai consu'uctions, declare the sense of the testator's in- 



APPENDIX. 36f3 

tentions ; and such decision is, to all intents and purpo- 
ses, to be a- binding on the parties as if it had been given 
in the supreme court of the United States. 

In witness of all and each of the things herein contained, I 
have set my hand and seal, this niiith day of July, in the 
year one thousand seoen hundred and ninety,* and of the 
inde/iendence of the United States the tnventy fourth. 

GEORGE WASHI.VG TOM 
* It appears the testatoi" omitted the word 77ine. 



364 



APPENDIX. 



SCHEDULE 



^f property comprehended in the fores^oing IT'iH, directed to be solcf, 
and some of it conditiouallj is sold; with descriptive and explanatory 
notes thereto. 



IN VIRGINIA. 





Acres. Prite. DoUavs. 


Ij^oudon CO. Difficult Run, 


300 6,666« 


Loudou and Faquier, 




Ashby's Bent, 


3,481 10(/. 24,810^ . 
885 8 7,0805^ 


Chattin's Run, 


Berkley, S. fork of Bouliskin, 


1,600 


Head of Evan's m. 


453 


In Wormley's line, 


183 



2,236 20 
Frederick, bought from Mercer, 571 20 
Hampshire, on Potowmac river, • 

above B. * 240 15 

Gloucester, on North river, ' 400 

Nansemond, near Suffolk, one third 

of 1,119 acres, 373 

Great Dismal Swamp, my dividend 

thereof, 

Ohio river, Round Bottom, 587 

Little Kenhawa, 3,314 

Sixteen miles lower down, 2,448 

Opposite Big Bent, 4,395 



about 



about 



i.-',744 



Dollars. 
10 



GREAT KENHAWA. 

Near the north west, 1 0, 1 80 

East sid& above, 7,276 

Mouth of Cole river, 2,000 

Opposite thereto, 2,960 > 
Burning Spring, 125 5 



3,075 



44,r20c 
ll,420rf 

3,6O0e 
3,600/ 

2,984,sr 

20,G00A 



97,440i 



200,000y(- ' 



APPENDIX, 



26B 



MARYLAND. 

Acres. Price. Dollars 

Charles county, 600 6d. 3,600/ 

Montgomery, ditto, 519 13 6,228??z 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

Great Meadows, 234 6 1,404« 

NEW YORK. 

Mohawk river, about 1000 6 6,OOOo 

NORTH WEST TERRITORY. 

On Little Miami, 339 

Ditto, 977 

Ditto, 1,235 



Rough creek. 
Ditto adjoining, 



,251 



KENTUCKY. 



3000 
2000 



16,251/2 



5000 3 

LOTS, viz. 

CITY OF WASHINGTON. 

Two near the capitol, square 634, cost 963 dol- 
lars, and with buildings, 

N^s- 5, 12, 13, and 14, the three last water lots on 
the Eastern Branch, in square 667, containing 
together 34,438 square feet, at twelve cents, 

ALEXANDRIA. 

Corner of Pitt and Prince streets, half an acre 
laid out into buildings, three or four of which 
are let on ground rent at three dollars per 
foot, 

WINCHESTER. 

A lot in the town, of half an acre, and another in 
the commons, of about six acres, supposed 

BATH OR WARM SPRINGS. 

Two well situated, and had buildings to the a- 
mount of 1501. 
32* 



10^0009 



15,000r 



4,132s 



Dollars. 



4000^ 



400 ?/ 



800v 



366 



APPENDIX. 



Six per cent. 
Ditto deferred, 
Tiiree per cent. 



STOCK. 

UNITED STATES. 

3,746 



POTOWMAC COMPANY. 

Twenty four shares, cost each lOOl. sterling, 
JAMES RIVER COMPANY. 
Five shares, each cost 100 dollars, 

BANK OF COLUMBIA. 
One hundred and seventy shares, cost §40 each 

BANK OF ALEXANDRIA. 

Beside twenty shares to the free school — 5. 

STOCK LIVING, viz. 

One covering horse, five carriage horses, four 
riding ditto, six brood mares, twenty working 
horses and niares, two covering jacks, and 
three young ones ; ten she asses, forty two 
working mules, fifteen younger ones, three 
hundred and twenty nine head of horned cat- 
tle, six hundred and forty head of sheep, and 
SI large stock of hogs, the precise number un- 
known. ICT* My manager has estimated this 
live stock at 7,0001. but I shall set it down, in 
order to make a round sum, at 



Dollars. 

6,246w 
10,666:c 

500y 

6,800z 
1000 



15,655 



Aggregate amount, 530,000 



NOTES. 



e. This tract for the size of it, is valuable, more for its 
^Situation than the quality of its soil, though that is good 
for farming; with a considerable proportion of ground that 
might very easily be improved into meadow. It lies on 



APPENDIX. 367 

the great road from the city of Washington, Alexandria, 
and George Town, to Leesburgh and Winchester, at Dif- 
ficult Bridge, nineteen miles from Alexandria, less from 
the city and George Town, and not more than three from 
Matildaville, at the great falls of Potowmac. There is a 
valuable seat on the premises, and the Avhole is condition- 
ally sold for the sum annexed in the schedule. 

b. What the selling prices of lands in the vicinity of 
these two tracts are, I know not ; but compared with those 
above the ridge, and others below it, the value annexed 
will appear moderate ; a less one v, ould not obtain them 
from n.e, 

c. The surrounding land not superior in soil, situation, 
or properties of any sort, sells currently at from twenty 
to thirty dollars an acre. The lowest price is affixed to 
these. 

d. The observations made in the last note, apply equal- 
ly to this tract, being in the vicinity of them, and of simi- 
lar quality, although it lies in another county. 

e. This tract, though small, is extremely valuable. It 
lies on Potowmac^iver, about twelve miles above the town 
of Bath, or Warm Springs, and is in the shape of a horse- 
shoe, the river running almost around it. Two hundred 
acres of it are rich low gi'our.ds, with a great abundance 
of the largest and finest walnut trees, which, with th€ pro- 
duce of the soil, might, by means of the improved naviga- 
tion of the Potowmac, be brought to a shipping port with 
more ease, and at a smaller expense, than that which is 
transported thirty miles only by lund. 

f. This tract is cf second rate Gloucester low grounds. 
It has no improvements thereon, but lies on navigable wa- 
ter, abounding in fish and oysters. It was received in pay^ 
ment of a debt, carrying interest, and valued in the year 
1789, by an impartial gentleman^ at 6001. 

N. B. It has lately been sold, and there is due thereon, 
a balance equal to what is annexed in the schedule. 

g. These three hundred and seven.ty three acres are 
the third part of undivided purchases made by the deceas- 
ed Fielding Lewis, Thos. Walker, and myself, oxi full con- 
viction that they would become valuable. The k.nd lies 
on the road from Sufiblk to Nortolk, touches, if I am not 
mistaken, some pan of the navigable water of Nunsemond 



368 APPENDIX. 

river. The rich Dismal Swamp is capable of great im- 
provement ; and, from its situation, must become extreme- 
ly valuable. 

h. This is an undivided interest which I held in the 
great Dismal S,v-uiip Company, containing? about four 
thousand acres, with my part of the plantation and stock 
thereon, belonging to the company in the said swamp. 

I. These several tracts of land are of the first quality on 
the Ohio river, in tiic par s where they are situated, being 
almost, if not altogether, river bottoms. The smallest of 
these tracts is actually sold at ten dollars an acre, but the 
consideration therefor not received. The rest are equal- 
ly valuable, and will sell as high, especially that which lies 
just below the Little Kenhawa ; and is oj.iposite to a thick 
settlement on the v/est side of the river. The four tracts 
have an aggregate breadth upon the river of sixteen miles, 
and are bounded there by that distance 

k. These tracts are situated upon the great Kenhs^wa 
river, and the first four are bounded thereby for more than 
forty miles. It is acknowledged by all who have seen 
them, and of the tract containing ten tlipusand nine hun- 
dred and ninety acres, which I have been on myself, I can 
assert, that there is no richer oi more valuable land in all 
that region. They are conditionally sold for the sum 
mentioned in the schedule, that is, two hundred thousand 
dollars, and if the terms of that sale are not complied with, 
they will coiiimand considerable more. The tract, of 
which the one hundred and twenty five acres is a moiety, 
•was taken up by General Andrew Lewis and myself, for, 
and on account of a bitununous spring which it contains, 
of so inflammable a nature as to buin as freely as spirits, 
and is nearly as difficult to extinguish.^ 

/. I am but little acquainted with this land, although I 
have once been on it. It was received, many years since, 
in discharge of a debt due to me from Daniel Jenifer Ad- 
ams, at the value annexed thereto, and nmst be worth 
more. It is very level ; lies near the river Potowmac. 

m. This tract lies about thirty miles- above the city of 
Washington, not f^r from Kitoctan. It is good farming 
land, and by those who are well acquainted with it, I am 
informed that it would sell at twelve or fifteen dollars per 
acre. 



APPENDIX. 



369 



«. This land is valuable on account of its local situation 
and other properties. It affords an exceeding good stand 
on Braddock's road from Fort Cumberland to Pittsburgh ; 
and, beside a fertile soil, possesses a large quantity of nat- 
ural meadow, fit for the silhe. It is distinguished by the 
appellation of the Great Meadows, where the first action 
with the French, in the year 1754, was fought. 

0. This is the moiety of about two thousand acres which 
remains unsold, of six thousand seventy one acres on the 
Mohawk river, Montgomery county, in a patent granted 
to Daniel Coxe, in the township of Coxborough and Car- 
olina, as will appear by deed, from Mariiuis Willet and 
wife, to George Clinton, late governor of New York, and 
myself. The latter sales have been at six dollars an acre, 
and what remains unsold will fetch that or more. 

//. The quality of these lands and their situation, may be 
known by the surveyor's certificates, which are filed along 
with the patents. They lie in the vicinity of Cincinnati ; 
one tract near the mouth of the Little Miami ; another 
seven, and the third ten miles up the same. I have been 
informed that they will readily command mere than they 
ai'c estimated at. 

g. For the description of those tracts in detail, see Gen. 
Spotswood's letters, filed with the other papers relating to 
them. Beside the general good quality of the land, there 
is a valuable bank of iron ore thereon, which, when the 
settlement becomes more populous, and settlers are mov- 
ing that way very fast, will be found very valuable, as the 
Rough creek, a branch of Green river, affords ample wa- 
ter for furnaces and forges. 

LOTS, viz. 

CITY OF WASHINGTON. 

r. The two lots near the capitol, in sqv.are 534, cost me 
nine hundred and sixty three dolktrs only ; but in this 
price I was favoured, on condition that I should build two 
brick houses three stories high each ; without this reduc- 
tion the selling pi-ices of these lots wonld have cost me 
about one thousand three hundred and filly dollars These 
lots, with the buildings on them, when completed will 
stand nne in fift';en thousand dollars at least. 



370 APPENDIX. 

s. Lots N«* 5, 12, 13, and 14, on the Eastern Branch, 
are advantageously situated on the AViter; and although 
many lots much less convenient have sold a great deal 
higher, I will rate these at twelve cents the square foot 
only. 

ALEXANDRIA. 

t. Eor this lot, though unimproved, I have refused three 
thousand five hundred dollars. It has since been laid off 
into proper sized lots for building on, three or four of 
which are let on ground rent for ever, at three dollars a 
foot on the street ; and this price is asked for both fronts 
on Pitt and Prince streets. 

WINCHESTER. 

u. As neither the lot in the town or common have any 
improvements on them, it is not easy to fix a price ; but 
as both are well situated, it is presumed the price annex- 
ed to them in the schedule is a reasonable valuation. 

BATH. 

v. The lots in Bath, two adjoining, cost me to the best 
of my recollection between fifty and sixty pounds, twen- 
ty years ago; and the buildings thereon 1501. more. 
Whether property there has increased or decreased m its 
value, and in what condition the houses are, I am igno- ^ 
rant ; but suppose they are not valued too high. 

STOCK. 

TO. These are the sums which are actually funded, and 
thoui^h no more in the aggregate than seven thousand 
five hundred and sixty six dollars, stand me m at least ten 
thousand pounds, Virginia money ; being the amount ot 
bonded and other debts due to mc, and discharged during 
the war, when money had depreciated in that rate ; iCT&na 
was so settled by public authority. , .u ' ^ 

^ The value annexed to these shares is what they ac- 
tually cost mc, and is the price affixed by law ; and al- 
though the present selling price is under par, my ndvice 



APPKNDIX. 371 

to the legatees, for whose benefit they are intended, esne- 
cua y tnose wno can afford to lie out of the money, s!that 
each Should t.ke .nd hold one ; there being a mora ' er 
tau.tyofa great and mcreasiag profit arising from them 
m tie course ot a few years. 

y. It !s supposed that the shares in the James River 
Cornpany .uust also be productive ; but of this I can give 
no deeded opinion, lor want of more accurate infonC 

z. These are the nominal prices of the shares \^^ tK^ 
b.nks 01 Aicxand.ia a,.cl Cofumbia; .l,e s 11^. " ices 

GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

Mount Vernon, July 9, 1799. 



i'LNlS. 



S. Edig-id)jyjr. Printer. 



^ 



*'? 



f 



